If a man owed and he could not pay, he and his wife, children or servants were forced into "debt slavery" until the creditor recouped losses through their physical labour

After the testator dies, the person named in the will as executor can decline or renounce the position, and if so should quickly notify the probate court accordingly

This may be done for tax reasons or to control the property and its benefits if the settlor is absent, incapacitated, or deceased

This means, for example, that if a principal authorizes someone to sell the principal's house or other real property, and the law requires a contract for the sale of real property to be in writing (which is required under the Statute of Frauds in most U

Assets left to any other heir, including the decedent's children, may be taxed if that portion of the estate has a value in excess of the lifetime gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption amount