When someone passes away (the "decedent") and leaves a last will and testament, you generally have to probate the will. If there is no will, then the estate may have to go through an intestate probate to determine who will inherit. Probate can be a time consuming process. There are some things that cause delays and make the process take even longer. An executor of an estate should hire an experienced probate lawyer to provide assistance during the probate process and move the process along … [Read more...]
Preparing to Make Your Living Will
A living will is an important part of any estate plan. Additionally, a living will can stand alone to provide instructions about the types of medical care you want provided under certain circumstances. It can be part of a comprehensive advanced plan in case you become incapacitated due to illness or injury. Without a living will, your family could find itself in a difficult situation if you experience a medical emergency. Your medical care providers may not know what kind of care is … [Read more...]
How a Kansas City Probate Attorney Can Help an Inheritance Come Faster
A Kansas City probate attorney provides aid to those involved in the probate process to try to make the process move as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, even in a best case scenario, probate can take a long time. An experienced attorney can provide assistance during the estate planning process with the goal of ensuring your heirs or beneficiaries receive their inheritances more quickly. Plans should be made in advance to provide for loved ones to inherit through means outside of probate if … [Read more...]
What are the Steps of the Probate Process?
Probate is triggered by someone's passing and is required for almost all deaths unless the deceased has made plans to transfer his or her assets without probate. Probate is important because this is how debts of the deceased are paid and the property left behind by the deceased person transferred. It is overseen by an executor or personal representative, usually a close friend or family member of the deceased. It can be complicated, but family members left behind when a loved one dies need to … [Read more...]
What are the Benefits of Avoiding Probate?
Many people who get help from an estate planning lawyer are interested in avoiding probate. Probate occurs after someone dies, unless the deceased has taken specifics steps to avoid it and to facilitate the transfer of assets through other means. Taking these steps can make life a lot easier for your family. Avoiding probate is worthwhile for many people, but you will need to decide if it makes sense for you to create an estate plan that does so. You need to work with an experienced … [Read more...]
Three Kinds of People Who Need Probate Attorneys
Probate attorneys do the important job of guiding clients through the probate process after a death. When a person passes away, the probate process is used to determine if the deceased's will is valid and to transfer assets to heirs. Property is valued, a determination is made as to what taxes are owed, and the process of transferring property to its new owners is facilitated. The probate process can be complicated and probate attorneys should be consulted for guidance and assistance by … [Read more...]
