Can cd's be cashed in that belong to a dead person before the will is probated by the executor?

Most states require filing of probate as a first step in appointment of the executor, which then gives the executor the power to collect and appraise the property of the estate and liquidate the portfolio for distribution. It depends on what you mean by "probated." Probate includes the entire process, which can last for years, until all assets are distributed.

"Before the will is probated" could be taken to mean "before probate is filed", or "before everything required under probate is completed." So, technically yes, if the latter, because an executor has the power to do that DURING the probate of an estate. However, if the probate has not yet been filed, nobody has the power, as it died with the owner.

Many elderly have ownership of such things placed into joint tenancy with right of survivorship, so that another person can immediately access the funds without probate.

Most states require filing of probate as a first step in appointment of the executor, which then gives the executor the power to collect and appraise the property of the estate and liquidate the portfolio for distribution. It depends on what you mean by "probated." Probate includes the entire process, which can last for years, until all assets are distributed.

"Before the will is probated" could be taken to mean "before probate is filed", or "before everything required under probate is completed." So, technically yes, if the latter, because an executor has the power to do that DURING the probate of an estate. However, if the probate has not yet been filed, nobody has the power, as it died with the owner.

Many elderly have ownership of such things placed into joint tenancy with right of survivorship, so that another person can immediately access the funds without probate.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.