Transmission fluid

Here's another newbie question from me: how do you check the trans fluid? On the stick it say check with engine hot, idling in park. I did that and the fluid comes up about 6" on the stick. Way past the mark. Also when I put the stick back in it seems to get caught on something when it's almost seated.

Its supposed to be in Neutral, I think,

That's what I thought. All the old cars I've had were supposed to be in neutral. I wonder why it says park on the stick?

Park or neutral, but run it up and down through all the gears first, one at a time, pausing for a couple of seconds in each. This will ensure all galleries and passages are filled.