Master the duties, rights, and pitfalls of estate administration with a thorough, practical guide.
This authoritative reference covers wills, executors, guardians, and the many rules that govern how estates are managed, settled, and distributed. It presents clear explanations of how to handle documentation, court procedures, and typical tasks from the moment a will or administration is opened through final accounting.
This edition explains the practical steps you’ll need, from drafting valid wills and recording the proper attestation, to managing the estate before letters testamentary are granted. It details how distributions are calculated among widows, children, and other relatives, and it outlines the responsibilities and potential liabilities of those serving as executors or guardians. You’ll also find guidance on accounting, settlements, and the duties of testamentary trustees, including how to resign, be removed, or be compelled to account.
- How wills must be formed, executed, and revoked, with attention to witnesses and publication
- What an executor may and may not do before probate, and how to preserve the estate
- How the estate is distributed among surviving spouses, children, and other relatives
- Guidance for guardians and guardianship accounts, and for counting and settling accounts
Ideal for readers who need a reliable, plain‑language reference to the legal and practical aspects of administering estates, handling guardianships, and understanding the rights of widows and heirs.