{"id":631,"date":"2020-08-25T11:26:37","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T18:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/probate\/?p=631"},"modified":"2024-12-19T09:55:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:55:13","slug":"what-does-probate-lawyer-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/probate\/blog\/what-does-probate-lawyer-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does A Probate Lawyer Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Anyone who\u2019s gone through probate knows that it can be slow, stressful, and often emotional, involving inventorying all estate property and distributing it to the legal heirs of a deceased loved one. Fortunately, hiring a probate lawyer can help expedite and streamline the process while ensuring you receive everything that\u2019s due to you.<\/p>\n
A probate lawyer is a legal professional who assists clients in navigating the probate process in order to settle their loved one\u2019s estate. A probate lawyer may take on many tasks and responsibilities in order to support clients and reduce stress during a complex process and a difficult time. From preparing filings to ensuring assets are distributed according to the deceased\u2019s will, a knowledgeable probate attorney can help resolve your family\u2019s estate more efficiently and with minimal strife. Understanding all the ways a probate lawyer can offer support during the process can help you more comfortably navigate probate.<\/p>\n
Probate is the legal process of identifying, administering, and distributing assets of an estate following a person\u2019s death\u2014ultimately, probate ensures that property and other possessions end up in the right hands, either in line with the wishes of the deceased or according to state law.<\/p>\n
If a will exists, the court will check that it\u2019s valid, signed, and witnessed before distributing assets from the estate according to the wishes of the will creator. If no will exists, the court will appoint a representative to assess the estate\u2019s value, pay off any debts and taxes, and resolve disputes that arise among interested persons.<\/p>\n
Probate involves several key steps, including appointing the executor responsible for leading the process, paying all debts of the estate, cooperating with the probate court, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. During this process, it\u2019s also possible that disputes can arise between beneficiaries and other interested parties, which can extend probate.<\/p>\n
The probate process takes three different forms in the state of Arizona:<\/p>\n
If you are unsure which type of probate is necessary or how to navigate any of the processes, a skilled probate lawyer can provide some insight and help you determine what next steps are needed.<\/p>\n
A probate lawyer is a valuable resource in the probate process by offering versatility, as they can serve several roles. The role of a probate lawyer often depends on the needs of the client that they are supporting and their stake in an estate.<\/p>\n
Some of the roles a probate lawyer can play are:<\/p>\n
With the versatility of a probate lawyer and their detailed understanding of state probate laws, they can offer support in many areas of the process. Whether you are an executor, administrator, an identified beneficiary, or a legal heir, you may benefit from a probate lawyer.<\/p>\n
The responsibilities of a probate lawyer can range from offering support during probate administration to supporting in potential litigation<\/b>. Ultimately, some of the responsibilities of a probate lawyer can be wide-ranging depending on whether they\u2019re assisting an executor or a beneficiary. Probate lawyers are most often sought after by the estate executor or administrator for assistance in interpreting their responsibilities.<\/p>\n
Some of the responsibilities of a probate lawyer can help with include:<\/p>\n
In some cases, a personal representative of an estate may make additional requests of a probate lawyer to assist with administering the estate. These requests may include helping to inventory estate property, resolving finances of the estate, and managing estate accounts.<\/p>\n
Grieving a loved one\u2019s passing is stressful enough without having to contend with the legal requirements of probate\u2014 a probate attorney can help offer peace of mind. Working with a probate lawyer can provide all of the following benefits.<\/p>\n
Probate often takes more than a year to complete. Whether you want to receive assets faster or simply avoid spending months in court, a probate lawyer can expedite the process. Probate cases can be complex, and without a lawyer, you may find yourself filing incorrectly or incompletely. A lawyer can help avoid these issues, ensuring the court receives all the necessary materials on time.<\/p>\n
Family disputes are all too common in probate cases. In some situations, issues arise because the deceased neglected to leave a will. At other times, interested parties may argue that the will is invalid. Whatever the circumstances, a probate lawyer can help navigate family disputes and prevent long-term rifts.<\/p>\n
After all, probate attorneys have the experience, skill, and tact needed to explain what\u2019s happening and present families with their options. The fact is that lawsuits sometimes arise over disagreements regarding assets and property. One of the best reasons to hire a probate lawyer is to prevent situations that lead to lawsuits, saving you money in the long run.<\/p>\n
Probate lawyers can also argue for individual parties in the event that a will is contested. While most wills are relatively clear and straightforward, some require the court to intervene and determine who will inherit.<\/p>\n
Although you are allowed to represent yourself in court, doing so will likely leave you at a disadvantage. A skilled probate attorney can ensure discovery deadlines are met and that evidence is presented in the correct manner.<\/p>\n
Some individuals make arrangements for their assets to be placed in tax-advantaged ownership structures before they pass. However, if the estate owes money in the form of taxes and debts, these payments will have to be made before assets are given out.<\/p>\n
An experienced probate lawyer will be able to defend any choices made regarding ownership structures to taxing authorities. Additionally, they can help with financial issues surrounding debts, contracts, or business deals that were incomplete at the time of the estate owner\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
Because a probate lawyer is versatile, there are many instances where you may consider hiring one. If disputes or potential litigation arise, you have questions about how to handle the probate process, or you believe there are concerns with the will, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A probate lawyer is helpful whether you are an executor, administrator, creditor, beneficiary, or other legal heir.<\/p>\n
The costs of a probate lawyer can vary widely depending on the firm and the amount of time that the lawyer puts into your case. Many firms have an initial retainer fee for their services and then charge hourly after that.<\/p>\n
Retainer fees might range from $3,000 to $7,000 but can be higher. Meanwhile, hourly fees might range from $200 to $500, depending on the firm. It\u2019s important to do your research and learn more during an initial consultation. Keep in mind that in cases where a lawyer is brought on to assist in the distribution of the estate, they are often paid directly from the estate funds rather than out-of-pocket.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can likely handle probate without a lawyer in many instances, especially with simple or low-value estates. However, probate is not always straightforward, as there may be disputes along the way or questions surrounding the will. The support of an attorney can go a long way toward helping you navigate potential challenges and is valuable for helping you understand your responsibilities during the process.<\/p>\n
Clearly, hiring a lawyer can help simplify the probate process while ensuring heirs receive what\u2019s due them. Still, many people opt to set up their estates in a way that avoids probate<\/a> altogether.<\/p>\n Here are some of the types of assets and property that don\u2019t have to go through the probate process:<\/p>\n There are some cases where having some property in a living trust and others included in a will can complicate probate. If you are unsure how your loved one\u2019s estate plan affects the probate process, then you should contact a skilled probate attorney with any questions.<\/p>\n Probate is an important process for distributing the assets of an estate to beneficiaries after an individual has died. However, probate can be difficult to navigate because of the complex nuances that exist or potential disputes that arise between interested parties. If you or a loved one is embarking on the probate process, you should consider scheduling a consultation with a skilled probate lawyer.<\/p>\n\n
Contact JacksonWhite Law for Probate Services<\/h2>\n