Probate Basics
Start here. What probate is, when it’s required, how long it takes and what it costs, small-estate shortcuts, dying without a will, and whether estate or inheritance tax applies. Procedures vary by state.
All Probate Basics guides
- Do You Owe Estate or Inheritance Tax? Federal vs. State
The federal estate tax hits only very large estates. Some states add their own taxes. Here is how to find out whether your estate owes anything.
- What Is Probate and How Does It Work?
Probate is the court-supervised process for settling a deceased person's estate. Learn what it involves, when it applies, and when you can avoid it.
- How Long Does Probate Take and What Does It Cost?
Probate can take months or years depending on state law and estate complexity. Learn what drives the timeline and what costs come out of the estate first.
- Small-Estate Affidavits: How to Skip Full Probate
Many states let small estates skip full probate with a simple affidavit. Learn how the process works, what qualifies, and what to watch out for.
- What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you die without a will, state law decides who inherits your estate. Learn who typically gets what under intestate succession and what you can do about it.