The Typical Probate Process Described 10 Steps:
The typical probate process is comprised of 10 key steps:
- Secure key assets (home, vehicle, etc.) and send critical notifications (landlords, lessors, employers, in-home care agencies, etc.)*
- Gather important papers, run credit check, collect/forward mail
- Identify, cancel, or claim benefits/ services and outstanding debts owed (Veterans benefits, Social Security, Insurance, Medicaid, Paychecks, etc.)
- Notify Key Bureaus and Corporations to stop fraud (banks, passport, voter office)
- Submit initial court filings such as petition to become estate executor and application to probate a will
- Notify the heirs and publish debtor notification(s) in local newspaper(s)
- Perform full inventory of assets/ debts and submit additional probate court documents
- Perform asset transfers for estate (i.e. sole ownership) and non-estate (i.e. life insurance, joint tenancy, Transfer on Death, etc.) assets
- File Taxes, pay debts and distribute remaining assets
- Notify the court of your actions and close the estate
*the funeral and burial typically occur between steps 1 and 2.
Need help with the details and next steps?
After They Pass provides a detailed guide to help you complete each of these critical steps in the process of closing out your loved one’s affairs. Our service includes over 120 forms, applications, and letters, many of which are auto-filled with your loved one’s details and customized based on your estate circumstances. We even include auto-filled social security and veteran’s benefit applications and probate court forms! Learn more here.
