Final Exam Flashcards
What pleading begins formal probate administration?
Petition for probate of will or petition to prove a will
What are “Letters of Administration?”
A document of authority & appointment given to a PR by the ct to carry out the administration of the decedent’s estate.
Who is an “Interested Person” as it relates to probate administration proceedings?
All person’s who have a property right or claim against the decedent’s estate, creditors, heirs, beneficiaries, spouses, and children
What persons are entitled to preference in appointment as Personal Representative of an intestate Decedent’s Estate?
The surviving spouse, the person selected by a majority interest of the heirs, the heir nearest in degree.
What is required to be listed in the Petition for Administration? Name 5 items.
A statement of the interest of each petitioner, The name and last known address of the decedent and last 4 of social, Name and address of surviving spouse, Statement showing venue, Statement whether domiciliary or principal proceedings are pending
How is a known creditor informed of probate proceedings?
File a notice to creditors
How is an unknown creditor informed of probate proceedings?
Post an ad in a known newspaper once a week for 2 consecutive weeks
Can a Personal Representative object to a creditor’s claim?
Yes
Must a Personal Representative designate an agent for service of process against the estate?
Yes
Who may serve as Personal Representative?
Individual, an attorney, or trust officer of a corporate business
Who cannot qualify to serve as Personal Representative?
Has been convicted of a felony, is mentally or physically unable to perform the duties, is under the age of 18.
Can a Probate Judge require a Personal Representative to post bond even though the testator waived the requirement?
No
How is the amount of bond determined by the Court?
Based on the value of the estate, the types of assets, the relationship of the personal representative with the decedent, and other relevant facts including the demands of beneficiaries and creditors.
Must a Personal Representative take an oath to faithfully administer the Estate?
Yes
Can more than one Personal Representative be appointed by the Probate Court?
Yes
What should you do if you realize there is a mistake in an already filed Inventory?
File a supplementary or amended inventory
What is gift tax? Who pays it?
A tax on the transfer of property by one individual to another.
The person who makes the gift.
What must accompany a will that is not self-proved?
An oath of witness to will
What pleading/document must a Personal Representative prepare and file with the Petition for Discharge?
Petition for Accounting
What document closes a formal Estate proceeding?
Order of Discharge
What is an Inventory?
A complete physical check of all the assets of the decedent and a listing of said assets and their value at the time of the decedent’s death.
When must the Inventory be filed?
Within 60 days after issuance of letters
What information should be included on the Inventory?
A list of the decedent’s assets and there value.
Can a Personal Representative charge a fee for his services to the Estate?
Yes
What is a will?
A written declaration of a person’s intended distribution of property after death.
What is a trust?
A right of property, real or personal, held by one person for the benefit of another.
What is the role of a Trustee with regard to the trust?
The trustee manages the assets that are in the trust
What is the name of the creator of a trust?
Settlor
What is a Revocable Living Trust?
A trust that the settlor has a right or power to revoke.
What is an Irrevocable Living Trust?
A trust that may not be revoked by the settlor after its creation.
What are the powers of a Trustee?
Sell assets, lease property, carry on a business, lend or borrow money, hire professionals.
What are the duties of a Trustee?
Duty to administer trust according to its terms; Duty of performance & due care; Duty of loyalty; Duty to account for profits & losses; Duty to invest trust property
What is the name of the property which forms the Trust?
Principal
What is a Spendthrift Trust?
A trust created to provide a fund for the maintenance of a beneficiary and at the same time to secure it against his wastefulness.
What is a Sprinkling Trust?
A trust in which the income or principal is distributed amongst the members of a designated class in amounts and proportions determined by the discretion of the trustee.
What are the possible purposes for establishing a trust?
The avoidance of probate, The control of assets after death by the creator of the trust
What is a Totten Trust?
A trust created by the deposit of a person’s money in the name of the account holder as trustee for another.
Why might a Court remove a Trustee?
Lack of capacity, serious breach of trust, refusal to post bond when it is required, refusal to account for expenditures, crime of dishonesty, prolonged absence from the state
What is an Express Trust?
Created in explicit terms for an express purpose
What are the elements of an Express Trust?
Intent, Named trustee, Beneficiary is named, Transfer of property