No one really wants to think about their own death, much less wills and probate issues. But as unpleasant as it is to contemplate, most people will have to deal with probate at least once in their lives. Regardless of whether it’s for yourself or your loved ones, it’s comforting to know that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Here are 10 reasons why having a probate lawyer by your side is a good idea.
A probate lawyer can help you with the following:
1. Drafting Your Will
You can Google do-it-yourself will templates, but if your Last Will and Testament is not iron tight, it could be declared invalid. Your attorney can ensure that your will clearly states your wishes so it can be properly executed.
2. Minimizing Conflict
It is a well-known fact that money can bring out the worst in people. And when the terms of a will is less favorable than an heir may desire, conflict may arise during the probate process. Your probate lawyer can help reduce strife and facilitate a more fluid probate process for all of those involved.
3. Safeguarding the Estate Against a Legal Claim
Legal claims against an estate are frequent. Whether it’s a creditor or a will contester, the probate process is a magnet for avaricious people. By retaining an attorney to assist with the probate process, you also gain protection to ensure the decedent’s last wishes are respected.
4. Expediting the Process
The probate process can be long and tedious, especially with an inexperienced executor at the helm. While there is no magic formula to instantaneously bring a conclusion to the process, a knowledgeable probate lawyer can provide invaluable insight. Your attorney can also help decrease the impact of the many challenges that may occur during the process.
5. Answering Your Probate Questions
The probate process has multiple layers and is often complex. The confusion may be magnified by the raw emotion from the death of a loved one. If proficient probate attorney can educate you on the process so you know what to expect.
6. Dealing With Technical Details and Court Filings
Court filing is amongst the many duties and responsibilities an executor of an estate must fulfill. Your probate attorney can help ensure the paperwork is properly draft and filed, and can explain the finer technical points to you.
7. Ensuring the Estate’s Debts Are Properly Paid
An executor would not want to see the released inheritances be eaten away by creditors with unsettled debts. Your probate attorney can help you settle the estate’s debts within the specified timelines so there are no delays.
8. Handling Specialty Needs
You may find the need for specialized skills, such as appraising assets (art, jewelry, property), or accounting of probate activities. You probate attorney can help resolve the various legal issues that arise during the probate process.
9. Protecting the Executor’s Interests
As the executor, your personal interests may also be at risk if your mistakes cause the beneficiaries losses. Your probate attorney can help you make sound choices to reduce the potential for mistakes.
10. Relieving Stress and Simplifying the Probate Process
The complicated and long drawn-out probate process is necessary to settle debts and disperse assets. The good news is that you can rely on the expertise of a seasoned probate lawyer to streamline the otherwise complex process.
Contact a Probate Lawyer Today
If you wish to plan your will or if you are an executor who needs to probate an estate, or for other estate planning needs, then call an experienced probate lawyer with Barnes Cadwell Law at (317) 973-1984.
