Estate Administration in Racine, Wisconsin

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Racine, WI

The process of distributing and maintaining the estate (the total accumulated property) of a person who dies is recognized as "estate administration." It is carried out either through the provisions of a will, or local laws addressing the problem of a person who dies without a will.

If the person who died made and executed a valid will in Racine, Wisconsin, the process of estate administration normally follows the procedures and instructions laid out in the will.

Commonly, the will appoints an executor whose job it is to oversee the administration of the will.

The person named as executor of an estate normally has some work ahead of them. To ensure that they really follow through on their obligations, most people name as executor the person who will get the most money, or other benefit, if the will is given effect as written. Because an estate can't be distributed until the administration process is complete, the executor has an incentive to see it through.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If a will in Racine, Wisconsin is silent as to who should be the executor, it is up to the court to decide who should serve in that capacity.

This is usually the person who will benefit the most if the will is executed. If there is no will (a situation recognized as "intestacy"), Wisconsin has a system of laws distributing the decedent's property to his or her closest living relative. In such a situation, the closest living relative has the most to gain from an orderly administration of the estate, so they will usually be appointed.

In cases where the will doesn't name an executor, or the person named is unable to take on that role for whatever reason, any person who has some direct stake in the decedent's estate (either because they're named in the will or stand to inherit by intestacy) can petition a Racine, Wisconsin court to be appointed executor.

Once an executor is appointed (whether by being named in the will, or on the application of another person), they "step into the shoes" of the estate, and are expected to protect its interests to the fullest extent possible. They also are required to accurately inventory the estate's debts and assets, as well as notify potential beneficiaries.

Can a Racine, Wisconsin Estate Administration Attorney Help?

If you are the executor of an estate, and don't know how to handle some of the legal and financial intricacies that may arise, an accomplished Racine, Wisconsin lawyer can make this process a great deal easier.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Racine

Racine is located in Racine County, Wisconsin. It is well-recognized because of its location being near to popular sites such as the beautiful Lake Michigan, Root River, Milwaukee and Chicago.

Popular attractions include the Wind Point Lighthouse, S.C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower, Racine Zoological Gardens, Thomas P. Hardy House, and Historic Horlick Field.

Famous celebrity athletes from Racine include Bob Foster, Steve Hanson, Don Heinkel, Ed Killian, Jesse Marsch, Brent Moss, Leo Murphy, Alex Scales, Tim Van Galder and Al Zupek.

Racine is also home to many attorneys who actively practice and are capable of handling the legal needs of residents and local businesses. Thus, no one has to travel far from Racine to have their legal needs taken care of.

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