Probate Lawyer
After a person dies, their estate may go through a legal process known as probate. Probate refers to the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets to their heirs and settling their debts. Since probate can be a complicated and long ordeal, many people choose to hire a probate lawyer.
A probate lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in assisting people navigate the probate process. They can provide guidance and legal representation to executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and other parties involved in the probate process. Here are some of the tasks a probate lawyer can do.
- Identifying and collecting the deceased person’s assets: A probate lawyer from Carpenter & Lewis PLLC can help locate and collect all of the deceased person’s assets, including the bank accounts, homes, and personal property. They can also help identify any debts owed by the deceased.
- Filing the will with the court: If a will exists, a probate lawyer can file it with the court and help ensure that it is valid and legally enforceable.
- Appointing an executor or administrator: If the deceased didn’t leave a will, a probate lawyer can help the court appoint an executor or administrator to manage the estate.
- Notifying creditors and paying debts: A probate lawyer can let the creditors know of the deceased person’s passing and make arrangements to pay any outstanding debts.
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries: A probate lawyer can help ensure that assets are distributed to beneficiaries according to the deceased person’s wishes or state law.
- Resolving disputes: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for family members of the deceased to fight during the probate process. If there are disputes among beneficiaries or other parties involved in the probate process, a probate lawyer can help resolve them through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- Filing tax returns: A probate lawyer can help ensure that the deceased person’s tax returns are filed and any taxes owed are paid.
Probate can be a confusing and tedious process, and there are many potential problems that can arise. For example, disputes among family members, unclear or incomplete wills, and improperly managed assets can all lead to lengthy and costly probate proceedings. A probate lawyer can help navigate these challenges and ensure that the probate process goes as smoothly as possible.
If you are involved in a probate proceeding or need assistance with estate planning, it is important to choose a probate lawyer who has the experience and expertise to handle your case. Look for a lawyer who specializes in probate and estate planning, has a track record of success, and is responsive to your needs and concerns.
A probate lawyer can provide valuable guidance and legal representation to clients who are navigating the probate process. Whether you are an executor, administrator, beneficiary, or other party involved in the probate process, a probate lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the probate process goes as smoothly as possible. A lawyer can give you peace of mind that your case will get resolved in a timely manner.