Understanding Goods Not Administered: A Comprehensive Legal Guide

Q: Can goods not administered be sold?

They can be sold, but only after proper legal procedures are followed by the administrator.

Q: How do I know if an asset is considered goods not administered?

If it was owned by the deceased at the time of death and remains unchanged, it is likely classified as such.

Definition & Meaning

"Goods not administered" refers to assets, such as property, personal belongings, and credits, that belonged to a deceased person at the time of their death and remain unchanged and unprocessed when a new administrator is appointed. This term often applies in probate situations, where it is important to distinguish between assets that have been managed and those that have not. For example, funds that a previous executor or administrator collected but kept separate from their personal finances are considered goods not administered.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

This term is primarily used in probate law, which deals with the estate of a deceased individual. Understanding what constitutes goods not administered is crucial for administrators and beneficiaries during the estate settlement process. Users may encounter this term when managing estate-related forms or procedures, and they can find templates designed by legal professionals on platforms like US Legal Forms to assist them.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(Hypothetical example) If a person passes away leaving behind a collection of artwork, and the previous executor has not sold or altered these pieces, they would be classified as goods not administered. If the new administrator is appointed, they must manage these artworks as part of the estate.

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State	Notes
California	Goods not administered are often handled under specific probate codes.
New York	Probate laws may require additional documentation for goods not administered.
Texas	State laws provide clear guidelines on the management of unadministered goods.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
Administered Goods	Assets that have been managed or distributed by an executor or administrator.	Unlike goods not administered, these assets have undergone some form of management.
Decedent's Estate	The total property and assets owned by a deceased person.	Goods not administered are a subset of the decedent's estate that remain unprocessed.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself dealing with goods not administered, it's important to gather all relevant information about the deceased's assets. Consider the following steps:

Consult with a probate attorney to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Use legal form templates from US Legal Forms to assist in the administration process.
Keep detailed records of all assets and communications related to the estate.

If the situation becomes complex, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Typical Fees	Varies by state and complexity of the estate.
Jurisdiction	Probate court in the state where the decedent resided.
Possible Penalties	Failure to manage goods properly can lead to legal consequences.