Next Avenue asked experts for their insights on the three big estate planning questions of readers — probate, writing a will and choosing an executor ...

When the time comes to make a will, one important element is to name an executor to handle your financial affairs after you ...

Form 1041 is an IRS tax return used by trustees or personal representatives to report income over $600 generated by assets held in an estate or trust.

There’s no standard deadline for paying beneficiaries of a will, but the probate process averages six to nine months. Many states have no deadlines at all.

An executor is an individual appointed to administrate the estate of a deceased person and carry out the instructions and wishes of the deceased.

The IRS released detailed guidance for executors of 2010 estates just six weeks before some of the forms were due. See my earlier post, Tax Deadlines For 2010 Deaths? IRS Finally Issues Guidance.