Key Reasons to Get Legal Help with Probate

Probate attorneys at Parman & Easterday can provide you with help during the probate process. The probate process is the legal process that must take place following most deaths. The process occurs in court and ensures the affairs of the estate of the deceased person (decedent) are concluded appropriately in accordance with the law. 

The executor of an estate, who is appointed to oversee the probate process, along with heirs or beneficiaries, are all involved in the probate process. Anyone who wishes to make a claim against the estate and those who wish to contest a will are involved as well.

The process can be time-consuming.  Investopedia estimates it will take around a year for probate to complete in most circumstances. It can also be expensive, costing around three percent to seven percent of the estate’s value, according to Investopedia.

Parman & Easterday can help to make the probate process go as quickly and effectively as possible with the minimum stress. Our probate attorneys will be there for you at every step, no matter what your role is in the probate proceedings.  You can give us a call to get personalized advice about the probate process and can read on to find out about some of the key reasons why you may want to hire legal help to assist you during probate.

Probate Attorneys Can Help Ensure That You Fulfill Your Obligations

If you are the executor of an estate, you have many responsibilities during the probate process. You have a fiduciary duty to ensure that assets are taken care of during probate and to make certain that the court paperwork is filed properly. If there is a will contest, you have to take steps to ensure that the will can be defended. You also have to take care of tax issues, settle all creditor claims, and facilitate the formal transfer of assets. Taking care of all of these tasks can be a challenge.  An experienced probate attorney can help.

Probate Attorneys Can Help Protect Estate Assets

While the executor of an estate has the responsibility of taking care of estate assets and has a fiduciary duty to ensure that the wealth of the deceased is managed appropriately, it is heirs or beneficiaries who have the biggest financial interest in ensuring that the assets in the estate are protected.

An experienced attorney can provide representation to heirs or beneficiaries who stand to inherit and can help them to monitor the probate process to ensure that assets are protected. If problems arise, an attorney can help potential heirs or beneficiaries to take action to protect their inheritance.

Probate Attorneys Can Facilitate the Transfer of Wealth

An experienced attorney can provide assistance by taking care of all of the technical requirements of the probate process. This can include filing paperwork with the court and publishing notice to ensure that the probate process goes as quickly as possible.  Attorneys can also help take care of complying with IRS tax obligations and can assist with the formal steps required to change deeds and titles so ownership can be transferred officially after a death.

Probate Attorneys Can Help Ensure the Decedent’s Wishes are Respected

If you wish to contest a will because you do not believe it is an accurate reflection of the wishes of the deceased, an experienced probate attorney can help with the process. If a will is contested and you believe that the will should be defended, an attorney can help with this process as well. Under either circumstance, an attorney can help to gather evidence and make the most compelling arguments possible for or against probating a will.

Contact Probate Attorneys Today for Help

Probate attorneys at Parman & Easterday can provide the personalized assistance you need to fulfill whatever your role is during the probate process. Our compassionate and knowledgeable legal team provides personalized representation to the executor of an estate, to heirs or beneficiaries, to anyone seeking to contest a will, or to others with an interest in the probate process.

To find out more about how our firm can help you after a loved one has passed on, join us for a free seminar. You can also give us a call today at (405) 843-6100 or contact us online at any time for personalized advice as you navigate the probate process. Call today to get an advocate on your side to help you.