Losing a loved one can be difficult for anyone. Additional problems of tax and estate management can prove to be a daunting task indeed. However, this is where a probate lawyer can help you.
Probate is a complicated process that requires the executors to prepare forms, maintain records, meet deadlines, develop reports, submit filings to the court, serve notice to the creditors, and inform heirs and local newspapers.
It can also be tricky when you are the beneficiary of the deceased, and taxes and family conflict come into play. A lawyer helps you navigate through the tough time in settling estate conflicts or disputes.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
Whether or not you require a lawyer will depend on the case’s specifics and what is included in your probate estate. Before deciding on the estate lawyer, you can ask yourself the following questions to see a good option for you.
● Do your estate assets are enough to settle any outstanding debts?
● Is there any conflict or dispute between the named beneficiaries of the estate?
● Can you divide the estate without involving the court?
● Is the estate modest or large?
● Do you have to settle any complicated tax issues?
● Does the estate owe any outstanding federal estate tax?
If you have answered any of the above questions affirmatively, you need a good probate lawyer. They can help you understand the full implications of the legalities involved in the case.
Benefits of a Lawyer
Avoid Personal Liability as Executor
In a probate situation, personal liability can arise if the executor of the asset makes an error in:
● distributing the assets
● paying creditors and heirs the wrong amount
● generating report
● fail to take court permission before taking a particular action
● fail to give notice to the proper individuals in the appropriate manner
A reliable lawyer can present your case in court.
Fast Resolution
An estate conflict can drag on for years if the:
● the executor of the estate fails to fill the forms correctly
● executor fails to give proper notice to all necessary parties
● necessary signatures of heirs and interested creditors are not provided
● appropriate documents are not filed properly before each deadline passes
A lawyer can schedule court dates to settle the matters quickly.
Save You Time and Energy
A probate lawyer can help you save valuable time by:
● making lists of creditors
● liquidating the estate’s assets
● keeping records
● paying bills
● generate inventories
● accounting
The lawyers can help simplify the process, thus saving your time and energy in the entire process.
Minimise the Potential for Disputes
If a probate attorney handles the estate in question, the whole process can be handled effectively, quickly, and efficiently. The probate attorney can help you in the following.
● Professionally managing the creditors and heirs
● Supervised administration
● Resolve disputes to make the process inexpensive for everyone involved
Reduce Stress
The probate lawyer can speed up the probate process to minimise the stress that the deceased’s family has to face at a time when emotions might already be running high.
Dealing with the death of a loved one is always worrisome, especially if there’s an estate involved. A lawyer can help you steer through the process to make it as painless as possible and make you feel secure during the most difficult time.
