Virginia: Using Estate Sale Proceeds to Pay for Cleanup, Junk Removal, and Property Disposal
Using Estate Sale Proceeds to Pay for Cleanup, Junk Removal, and Personal Property Disposal Short answer: Under Virginia’s probate rules, a personal representative (executor or administrator) may use estate funds — including proceeds from a sale of estate property — to pay reasonable and necessary expenses of administration, such as junk removal, cleaning, and disposal […]
Read article →How to Regain Control of a Deceased Parent’s Bank and Credit Card Accounts in Virginia
Steps to Recover a Deceased Parent’s Financial Accounts in Virginia This FAQ-style guide explains how to stop unauthorized use of a deceased person’s bank and credit card accounts and regain lawful control under Virginia law. This is an explanatory overview—not legal advice. Detailed answer — practical and legal steps to regain control When someone continues […]
Read article →Virginia: How Probate Handles Unauthorized Charges to a Parent’s Estate
How are unauthorized charges to my parent's estate dealt with through the probate process in Virginia? Short answer In Virginia, unauthorized charges against a decedent’s accounts or estate assets are typically handled through the estate’s personal representative during probate. The personal representative must identify and protect estate assets, dispute or refuse improper claims or charges, […]
Read article →Securing and Inventorying a Deceased Person's Home in Virginia Before You Are Appointed Administrator
Detailed Answer Short version: Immediately secure the house, document everything, limit access, notify interested parties in writing, and move quickly to open probate or ask the probate court for temporary protection. If family members remove property, do not confront them physically — document and contact the police and the court. This is general guidance under […]
Read article →How to Become the Court-Appointed Administrator of Your Father's Estate in Virginia
What to do if a parent dies without a will in Virginia Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a Virginia probate attorney or the local circuit court clerk to apply these steps to your situation. Detailed Answer — step-by-step overview under Virginia law If a person dies intestate (that is, without a […]
Read article →Virginia: How Children Inherit and Who Can Administer an Intestate Estate
How Virginia Law Treats Children When Someone Dies Without a Will Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about a specific estate or court filing, consult a licensed Virginia attorney. Detailed answer — how intestate succession among children works in Virginia When a person dies without a […]
Read article →Virginia: How to Open an Estate Bank Account Using an IRS EIN
Step-by-step guide to opening an estate bank account in Virginia using an IRS EIN Short answer: In Virginia you usually need to be the court-appointed personal representative (executor or administrator) or otherwise have legal authority (for example, a small‑estate affidavit may apply) before a bank will let you open an estate account. After you have […]
Read article →Virginia: What Happens If a Creditor Files a Claim After the 90-Day Notice Period?
What happens if a creditor files a claim after the 90-day notice period ends? Short answer: Under Virginia probate practice, a creditor who files a claim after the statutory notice period is frequently barred from collecting from the estate, but there are important exceptions and remedies. Whether a late claim is allowed depends on how […]
Read article →Claiming Your Share of a Parent’s Intestate Estate in Virginia
Can I claim my share of my mother’s estate in Virginia if she died without a will? Short answer: Yes — but you must follow Virginia’s probate and intestate succession rules. That usually means identifying heirs, opening an estate in the circuit court where your mother lived, having a personal representative (administrator) appointed, paying valid […]
Read article →Virginia — Rights of a Surviving Spouse When a Spouse Dies Without a Will
Surviving Spouse Rights in Virginia When a Spouse Dies Intestate Short answer: As a surviving spouse in Virginia who lost a spouse without a will, you have strong, statutory rights to the estate and to participate in probate. You can ask the circuit court to appoint you administrator, demand access to certain property and support […]
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