遗嘱认证的问题
Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. 但遗嘱认证过程很复杂. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works.
什么是遗嘱认证?
Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. During the probate process, a person’s property is identified, cataloged, and appraised. In addition, probate makes certain any outstanding 债务 and taxes are paid. It can be a complex process filled with very specific legal requirements.
例如, 如果某人没有留下有效遗嘱就死了, the probate court sees that the deceased person’s assets are distributed according to the laws of the state.
如果某人去世时留下了有效遗嘱, the probate court is charged with ensuring the deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.
遗嘱认证过程
Every estate passes through probate following the owner's death. Probate can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year. 如果有意愿, and one or more of the heirs chooses to contest the document, 这个过程可能需要更长的时间.1
遗嘱认证也可能很昂贵. Even though probate costs are capped in some states, they can easily cost 3 to 7 percent or more of the estate’s value. That’s calculated on the gross value of the estate – before taxes, 债务, 其他费用也支付了. And if the probate process is challenged, legal costs can rise.2
Finally, probate takes place in a public court. That means everything is a matter of public record, so there is no privacy. Anyone can find out exactly what was left behind and how much each of a deceased person’s heirs received. They can also review the court records for the deceased person’s estate. Those who have concerns for their heirs’ privacy may want to take steps to manage the probate process.
可能避免遗嘱认证的财产
Some assets can be structured, so they may not have to go through probate. Here’s a partial list of assets that may avoid the probate process:
1. 信托持有的财产3
2. Jointly held property (but not common property)
3. Death benefits from insurance policies (unless payable to the estate)4
4. 死前赠与的财产
5. 死后付款账户里的资产
6. 退休 accounts with a named beneficiary
1. TheBalance 2022
2. Investopedia.com, 2021
3. Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. 在进行信托之前, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.
4. Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, 包括年龄, health and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. 如果保单过早放弃, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by 消费品套件 to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. 所表达的意见和 material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or 出售任何证券. 版权 消费品套件.
