Why is it Important to Hire an Experienced Probate Attorney?

When a loved one dies, it can be overwhelming to handle all the legal work involved in administering their estate. If you find yourself in the role of executor or administrator, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced probate attorney. These professionals can help you through the process of distributing assets in accordance with your loved one’s wishes, as well as assist you in challenging any claims from beneficiaries or creditors.

The specific tasks that probate attorneys perform vary based on their clients’ needs. They may help the executor or administrator of a will with the probate process, file the will with the court and prepare other probate documents.

They may also help locate and gather all the deceased’s assets, including bank accounts, jewelry, cars and other personal items. They can even help with selling or distributing those assets.

A probate lawyer can assist the executor or administrator of an estate with accounting for all of the decedent’s assets, identifying and paying debts, determining if any inheritance tax is applicable to the estate, and dispersing the estate to heirs according to the terms of the will.

Many people are surprised to learn that they must pay taxes on their deceased loved one’s estate. These taxes can be complex and confusing, so it’s important to consult with a probate lawyer before you distribute any assets.

Your estate may have some overdue debts, and a probate attorney can help you sort through those. They can also help you with distributing any remaining assets if there aren’t enough liquid assets to pay off all of the debts.

Lastly, a probate attorney can draft and review contracts related to the distribution of a decedent’s assets. For instance, if two siblings each want to inherit their parents’ home, a contract is needed to transfer that ownership legally to the third sibling.

If there is any dispute regarding the will of a decedent, a probate attorney can represent you in litigation to ensure that your wishes are respected and implemented. Their expertise and compassion can alleviate the stress of a difficult time and keep your family protected from future claims.

A lawyer can also provide assistance in cases where a decedent died without a will, which is called intestate. They can help you understand the laws in Florida that determine how assets are distributed to heirs, and they can ensure that all intestate laws are followed to avoid potential disputes.

They can also help you resolve any squabbles between heirs and creditors, so that you don’t have to face the financial burden of these issues later on.

You can find a great probate attorney in Chicago by asking around and looking for referrals. This will help you find someone that can offer the best possible service for your specific needs.

Some lawyers will take over the entire process while others are more hands-on and help with certain aspects of the case. You should always discuss your options with a probate attorney before hiring them so that you can come to an agreement on the level of involvement you’d like.