When my 99 year old aunt died, she'd been in assisted living for 10 years and her real estate had already been sold. The executor (my cousin) was on the checking account and her stock accounts had beneficiaries listed.
The estate was not required to be probated, and the funds were quickly and efficiently spread to 3 nephews. Since there were no debts of any kind, it was a done deal.
If you get down to it, probate is where a judge gives the executor the authority to sign for the deceased for the purpose of liquidating real property. They will also want to make sure the state/U.S. taxes are paid and all debts have been paid.
If there is no real estate and everything is passed on per the will and the beneficiaries on accounts--no probate is required.
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