What is Estate Administration?

Estate administration is the process by which an individual's lifetime financial affairs are wound up and their property and assets are distributed after they die. This process differs from state to state.  The time it takes to administer the estate can vary based on whether the legal documents are in order, on the value and extent of the assets in the estate, and on the number of beneficiaries involved.

What is involved in estate administration? How long will it take? What happens if there is no will? ACTEC Fellows answer the questions that many people have surrounding estate administration.

How to Talk With Your Parents About Estate Planning

It’s never easy to have end-of-life conversations with your loved ones. How do you talk with your parents about their estate planning documents such as their wills, trusts, power of attorneys, and advance medical directives? 

ACTEC Fellows Jean Gordon Carter and Linda Funke Johnson have a practical discussion on what estate planning documents need to be in place and difficult end-of-life decisions with parents. Presenters review critical estate documents, funeral arrangements, and how to get started.

How to Pay for College for a Grandchild or Someone Else

What do grandparents or family need to know about paying for a family member’s college tuition? What are the taxes associated with gifting for education? What’s a UTMA, 529, or Coverdell account? Could my gift impact financial aid for the student?

ACTEC Fellows Michael H. Barker and Jean Gordon Carter, estate planning experts, explain what a grandparent, aunt, uncle or benefactors needs to know about helping a student pay for college and where to find resources to explain the options.