How a Probate Attorney Can Help You Avoid Probate
A Probate Attorney helps people settle the affairs of a deceased loved one. They can handle many tasks, such as inventorying the estate’s assets, paying any debts owed, and distributing any final belongings to beneficiaries as specified in the will or state law. During this stressful time, a probate lawyer can make the process go more smoothly for everyone involved.
Whether or not you need a probate lawyer depends on a variety of factors, including how comfortable you feel handling probate, how complicated your state’s laws are, and how big or extensive the estate is. If the deceased had a trust in place, the estate may not need to go through probate at all, which is good news for everybody involved.
The best way to avoid probate entirely is to set up a trust, which can be done with help from a professional. You can also choose a beneficiary for your bank accounts and retirement accounts, and move your life insurance policies over to a living trust so they pass to the beneficiaries automatically upon your death. If you want to make sure you’re protected against probate, an attorney can help you put a plan in place, and it’s never too late to do so.
How to Find the Best Probate Attorney
You should always find an experienced attorney, as this will ensure your case is handled quickly and properly. Experienced probate attorneys are familiar with your local judge’s rules and procedures, which can make the process easier for everyone involved.
A probate attorney will be able to handle most of the legal work for you, from filing documents to collecting asset information and preparing income tax returns. They can even help you pay any debts the estate owes and sell off property to cover those debts, if necessary.
They will also be able to distribute any remaining assets to the beneficiaries, as per the terms of the will or the state’s intestacy laws. The lawyer will work with you to ensure the estate is closed once all of the duties have been fulfilled.
If there is a conflict between family members over the will, or if a creditor files a claim that the personal representative denies, the probate attorney can represent you in court to resolve the issue. This can help you avoid costly lawsuits and keep the estate’s assets intact for your loved ones.
When you’re ready to hire a probate attorney, it’s important to understand their fees. They can charge by the hour or by a percentage based on the size of the estate. Be sure you know what to expect, and ask any questions you have before hiring them. You can use an online company, like Trust & Will, to simplify the process and save money. Their experts can create a personalized plan that’s right for you. Click here to learn more!