Littlejohn Law - December 2022 / January 2023

3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PROBATE

Am I responsible for all the bills if I open up the estate? No. The estate is responsible for the bills of the deceased. You don’t become responsible if there isn’t any money or assets to pay the bills. If there is money and other assets, then those must be used to pay the bills. My husband didn’t have a will and has children from another marriage. Do I get everything? No. Since your husband passed away without a will, the assets will go to the surviving spouse AND all the children under the intestate succession laws. If your husband did not have children, then you inherit everything. In Ohio, the descendants are entitled to a piece of the estate if money or assets are left over after paying all the bills. Going through probate can be a complicated process. If you have any questions or need advice on the matter, or if you need to create or update your estate plan, we’re here to help. Give us a call today!

Going to probate court can be a challenging and confusing experience for many families. Most people are still trying to grieve when dealing with probate, which makes the situation even harder for everyone involved. Creating an estate plan almost always eliminates probate, but some people choose not to do so. Their family then has to go to probate to determine what will happen with the deceased individual’s assets and estate. Many questions surround the probate process, as most people only experience it once or twice in their lives.

Here are three frequently asked questions about probate.

Does everything have to go through probate court? No, only assets titled in your deceased loved one’s name must be administered through the probate court. Expect to discuss real estate and vehicles owned solely in the deceased individual’s name. If these items have valid transfer-on-death deeds, they do not need to go through probate. Anything without an outright title or named beneficiary or is not a trust-owned asset will go through probate.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Snowballs

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by TheFoodieAffair.com

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tbsp softened butter

1 lb white chocolate candy coating

DIRECTIONS

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix until evenly combined. 3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. 4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate candy coating in increments of 30 seconds, stirring occasionally until smooth. 5. In the same bowl, use skewers to dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate before placing them on a lined cookie sheet so they can harden. 6. Chill until ready and then serve!

CELEBRATION DECORATION FAMILY GATHERING

GINGERBREAD HEARTH HOLIDAY ICICLE

MIDNIGHT MITTENS PRESENT ROOTS

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