Detailed analysis. Introduction and overview
Goal of state probate law
Fundamental role of the fiduciary
Must there be probate?
Taking steps to minimize or avoid probate
Where should the estate be probated? Issues of jurisdiction and venue
Appointment of the personal representative and key issues with respect to the appointment
A job description for the personal representative
an overview of rights, duties, powers and potential liabilities
Gathering and inventorying the estate
the first essential function of the personal representative
Hiring agents and attorneys to assist in estate administration
Attorneys' fees
Managing the assets of the estate
Liability of the executor in contract and tort
Handling creditors' claims
Overview of various estate and income tax elections
Apportionment of estate and state death taxes
Raising funds in the estate: Issues associated with sales of estate property
Accounting for settling and closing the estate
Paying the personal representative
Ancillary administration
Joint executors
An overview of the ethics issues in probate and estate administration
Working papers.