Top 4 Reasons You Should Hire A Probate Attorney After The Death Of A Loved One

13 December 2017
 Categories: Law, Blog

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When a person plans their estate during life, he or she can choose to have a will drafted by a lawyer or have a trust established. If a person chooses to have a will, the estate will need to go through probate, which is the process where the will is verified as being accurate and valid. If a loved one has recently passed and had a will, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney to assist you with the probate process. The top reasons you should hire a probate attorney include:

Speed Up Access to the Estate

The probate process involves going through probate court, and it can be complicated and complex. If you do not have a probate attorney assisting you, the probate process can be very long and drawn out; some people have waited more than a year for an estate to go through probate. A probate attorney will have expert knowledge of the probate process and will know exactly what to do to prevent delays in the probate process.

Verifying Debts and Expenses

When a person passes away, his or her estate is responsible for paying valid debts and final expenses. Without an attorney, it can be difficult to determine which debts are actually owed and how much actually needs to be paid. A probate lawyer will review the finances of your deceased loved one and ensure that all valid debts and expenses are paid so the remaining assets can be distributed to the benefactors after the probate process is completed.

Prevent Family Conflicts

Unfortunately, even when there is a will in place, dividing the assets of an estate among family members can lead to conflicts. The last thing you want is to create lasting rifts with family members over money. In many cases, having a probate attorney can help prevent family fights after a loved one passes. The attorney will act as a neutral third-party who will ensure that the estate is divided as described in a legal will.

Support

Being the executor of an estate can be a very difficult task, especially since most people are not experienced in settling the estate of a deceased loved one. A probate lawyer can provide support during this time period and will answer questions and provide guidance throughout the probate process and the distribution of the estate. If you are the executor of a loved one's estate, investing in the services of a probate lawyer can make to process a lot less stressful. 

For more information, contact local experts, such as David R Webb Attorney.