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When a close friend or family member passes, your time might be needed to settle their estate.
The court-supervised probate process involves administering a deceased person’s estate, which involves many documents and steps. To take the most straightforward path forward, learn how to select the right firm for your needs and how to schedule a consultation with a probate attorney.
The Probate Attorney’s Role
A probate attorney can assist with the court process, answer questions and guide you through any disputes that may arise as you navigate this difficult period. Probate attorneys make sure that assets are collected, debts and taxes are paid and inventory is correctly distributed.
They can also help notify beneficiaries and creditors.
Essentially, a consultation with a probate attorney can set you up for success with managing the complicated details of probate and keep you on track.
Given the nature of probate, it is usually a good idea to have a probate attorney on hand for the small details or concerns that may arise. You will find a probate attorney especially helpful when there are:
- No will or unclear terms
- Conflict or disputes within your family
- Complicated assets like businesses or multiple properties
- Minor or special-needs beneficiaries to care for
- Significant debt or tax issues
If you know you will be contending with a large amount of debt or have taxes looming in the background, a probate attorney can provide peace of mind during the complex process.
Find the Right People to Partner With
Once you have decided to seek counsel from a firm as you start your journey through the probate process, you must make sure you are partnering with the right people.
Judge your options based on a few important factors, and you can start by looking at reviews from past clients. If the firm is largely favorable, it is a good sign that you will have a similar positive experience with its attorneys.
Also think about the firm’s values as well. Does it commit to transparency? Some organizations provide transparent billing and flat-rate fees upfront, while others are less open about what they charge. Spend time researching the firm and attorneys.
Communication is also important during the probate process, which can be lengthy at times. So, choose a firm dedicated to open communication from start to finish.
Prepare the Relevant Documents and Information
Preparing the relevant documents in advance can make a consultation with a probate attorney far more productive.
Set aside time to gather your documents and note concerns before the call or meeting. There is a substantial amount of paperwork required during the probate process.
When meeting with a probate attorney, it helps to have the following information:
- Several copies of the death certificate
- Last will and testament
- Revocable living trust documents
- Beneficiary designations
- Contact info for beneficiaries and heirs
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
- Federal and state income
- Gift tax returns for the previous three years
- Life insurance policies
- Financial account statements
- Real estate deeds and vehicle titles
- Business agreement documents and contracts
- Appraisals for high-value items like jewelry and art
- List of any other known assets
- Loan agreements and ongoing bills
- Medical and funeral expenses
- List of debts
Collect as much as you can, even though you do not necessarily need all of it quite yet – your probate attorney will not expect a perfect packet of information for the initial consultation, and not every document will be applicable to your probate case.
Additionally, bring something to take notes on during your consultation, such as a legal pad or a digital document. This can help you stay organized during probate.
Schedule the Consultation
After you have found a reputable firm and prepared the necessary documents, you will be in a good position to schedule a consultation.
Most firms will have an easy way to get in contact with their team. On a firm’s website, seek a contact form or a set of fields to enter your information. Alternatively, call the firm to speak with a representative. They can answer questions and get you scheduled.
At a typical consultation, the probate attorney may ask you questions about the deceased’s assets, liabilities, beneficiaries and additional details.
They will likely offer an overview of the probate process and estimate the timeline and costs. You will have an opportunity to ask questions as well.
Set aside about an hour to go through the details with the probate attorney during the consultation. You may need more time if you have a more complex estate, such as if the will is being contested or other complicating factors exist.
Move Forward With the Probate Process
Find a probate attorney to help set you on the right path and offer guidance as you move forward. Crow Estate Planning & Probate focuses solely on estate and business planning needs, allowing them to devote more time, energy and experience to your case. They work with a wide range of clients in Tennessee, Kentucky and beyond. The firm can tailor its legal services to best meet your unique needs.
The firm has received over 300 five-star reviews, is BBB Accredited and was a Super Lawyers’ Rising Star in the Mid-South from 2018 to 2023. Crow Estate Planning & Probate is a member of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) and the Chambers of Commerce for Clarksville, Nashville and Hopkinsville.
If you seek a consultation with a probate attorney, Crow Estate Planning & Probate is one of the leading options. The firm is dedicated to its clients, and the initial consultation is free.
Probate Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Probate is often a necessary judicial process when a close friend or family member passes.
When you are asked to settle your loved one’s estate, you do not have to do it alone.
A skilled probate attorney can give you guidance as you navigate probate court, assist in appraising the deceased’s assets, file court documents, resolve disputes among beneficiaries and more.
Find and schedule a consultation with a probate attorney to ease the probate process.
Have you ever had to go through the probate process for a loved one? What was your experience like?
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