Probate
Helping Families Through Estate Administration
When a loved one passes away, the last thing their grieving family should be faced with is a complicated, lengthy probate process. The best way to avoid this is by developing a comprehensive estate plan, which may include a will, living trust and other legal methods that can bypass the probate process completely or minimize the court’s involvement.
The probate process has disadvantages. Your estate and the value of your assets will become public record. Also, because lawyer’s fees and executor’s commissions are based on a statutory fee schedule, a probate may cost more than the management and distribution of a comparable estate under a living trust. Time can be a factor as well. A probate proceeding generally takes a minimum of seven to nine months and can linger for years, longer than the administration of a living trust.
In cases where a decedent did not leave a will or trust, or designate an executor to carry out their wishes, the court will typically appoint a relative or family friend to serve as an administrator and consult with a probate attorney to manage the estate dissolution. There are a number of steps that must be taken between death and distribution of assets. Though each estate is unique, common steps found in the probate of most estates, include:
- Filing of a petition with the appropriate Probate Court.
- Notice to beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors of the estate.
- Executor/Administrator appointed.
- Inventory and appraisal of estate assets by Executor/Administrator.
- Claims filed by creditors and reviewed by Executor/Administrator.
- Payment of approved claims. Assets may need to be sold if the estate lacks liquidity.
- Preparation and payment of estate taxes.
- Final distribution of assets to beneficiaries and/or heirs.
Unfortunately, probate is unpredictable. That is why many people choose to avoid it. Given the choice, wouldn’t you prefer these matters be handled privately by your family, not by the courts? Wouldn’t you prefer to keep control of who receives what and when? And, if you have young children, wouldn’t you prefer to have a say in who will raise them if you can’t?
If your family is facing this situation, as a probate attorney, I will work closely with the assigned representative to identify your loved one’s property and heirs, pay off any valid debts, and distribute their assets accordingly, while easing your burden and giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Our Practice
Estate Planning
It is important to preserve your assets, protect your family, and ensure that your wishes are carried out upon passing away. Yet we understand how emotional this process can be for you and your loved ones. We’re here to help with caring, compassionate expertise from start to finish.
Business & Real Property Law
We know that starting and running a business is difficult enough, and legal aspects can be even more challenging for many entrepreneurs. We do our best to make business law matters as easy as possible for a wide range of business owners and real estate investors.
Trust Administration
Being appointed Trustee of a loved one’s trust or Executor of someone’s will may seem to be a daunting task. We assist clients in all aspects of the administration of an estate or trust.
Probate
We can help you through every step of the process, from gathering the necessary documents to filing the petition with the court. We will work closely with the assigned representative to ease
your burden and give your family peace of mind.
Prenuptial Agreements
With dual-income couples and blended families as the norm, prenups are an effective way for many engaged couples to formalize financial boundaries, regardless of their net worth. We provide nonbiased, nonjudgmental advice and clear explanations at every step.