Why Hiring a Probate Attorney is a Good Idea

As a personal representative or executor of a testator who recently passed on, you have a lot of responsibilities on your hands. These include ensuring that all of a decedent’s assets are protected and properly inventoried, paying all taxes and debts, and making sure that the named beneficiaries receive their rightful part of the inheritance. All of this can be overwhelming, especially if you are court-appointed and not ready for the duties of the position. This is where probate attorneys come in. Their job is to guide an executor through the entire...

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Probate Law Tips: Dealing with Estate Creditors

Before you can do anything with your duties as executor of the will of your loved one, you will have to deal with prospective creditors as the first thing you will most likely need to do is to inform all the concerned people of the decedent’s passing. Whether or not you will be going through probate proceedings, you should still keep these tips in mind: Make a List List down all of the decedent’s known creditors and write their addresses and contact information as well. Whether it be a credit card company, a mortgage lender, or any other...

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Is Probate Still Needed When There’s a Will?

In a word: yes. Even if the testator passed away with a comprehensive and enforceable will, and even if there is little to no question as to the validity of its provisions, chances are your estate planning lawyer will still tell you that a probate proceeding is necessary. Why exactly is this so? Asset Transfer Process If the decedent died with sole ownership over some assets, the only way that these properties can be transferred in the name of their new owners is through probate proceedings. If there are co-owners on the other hand, provided...

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Preparing to Meet with an Estate Lawyer

It rarely matters how much or little you have in assets; as long as you have something to leave behind to your family after you pass, you should see to it that you make a last will and testament, if only to make sure everything’s in order. If you haven’t met with a probate lawyer yet, here are some things you are expected to do: Personal Information Of course, your lawyer will want to get acquainted with you and understand the reasons behind your decision to plan your estate. Oftentimes, attorneys personally interview clients to get personal...

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