what does a probate attorney do for you

What is a Probate Lawyer?

• Identifying the assets of the estate
• Preparing and filing documentation for the court
• Determining whether any taxes are due to the state or federal government and resolving any tax issues
• Collecting the proceeds from life insurance policies
• Getting a valuation and appraisal of assets and real property
• Assisting in the payment of bills and debts

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Full Answer

What are the main duties of a probate attorney?

Hiring a Probate Lawyer That Can Help You. So, what does a probate lawyer do? In short, they help you through the process of distributing someone's assets after they pass away. Not sure where to find good probate lawyers in your area? Our team at De Bruin Law Firm can help you with any of your probate needs. Don't hesitate to give us a call today.

How much do lawyers charge for probate?

A probate lawyer is a state licensed attorney who works with the executors and the beneficiaries of an estate to settle the affairs of the decedent. In some instances, probate can be avoided if all the decedent’s assets have been placed in a trust. A trust can ensure a smooth transfer of property outside of court and legal proceedings.

What is a probate lawyer and what do they do?

A probate attorney is a state-licensed lawyer who can help the Executor of a Will (if one was appointed) or the beneficiaries of an estate get through probate as they work to settle an estate. Their services could typically include everything from finding and inventorying assets of the estate, to understanding and paying all the debts the estate may have, to distributing and …

How to find a good probate attorney?

A probate attorney serves in both an advisory and active role in an estate administration. Some people will schedule an initial visit with a probate attorney after a loved one dies. At that visit, the attorney explains the role of the executor or administrator. He or she advises what type of estate administration is needed.

How long do you have to keep a probate case open?

State law requires you to keep the probate case open for months, to give people time to come forward with disputes or claims—but in most probates, beneficiaries don't argue about anything in court, and few creditors submit formal claims. By all means, ask the lawyer any questions you have about the proceeding.

What to do when winding up an estate?

When you're winding up an estate, there's usually a lot of legwork to be done—things like making phone calls and gathering documents. Many of these tasks don't need to be done by someone with a law degree. So if you're paying the lawyer by the hour, you'll probably want to volunteer to take on some of this work yourself.

What is the job of a probate attorney?

Obtaining appraisals for the decedent’s real property. Assisting in the payment of bills and debts. Preparing and filing all documents required by a probate court. Determining if any estate or inheritance taxes are due, and making sure those debts are satisfied. Resolving income tax issues.

What is probate lawyer?

What is a probate lawyer or probate attorney? A probate lawyer is a state licensed attorney who works with the executors and the beneficiaries of an estate to settle the affairs of the decedent. In some instances, probate can be avoided if all the decedent’s assets have been placed in a trust.

What happens to assets when a person passes away?

When a person passes away, their assets must be disbursed in a manner consistent with state laws and following the directions they put forth when they were alive, as stated in their will. A probate lawyer guides the executor of will or beneficiaries of an estate through the probate process: From identifying estate assets ...

What is a Probate Attorney

A probate attorney is a state-licensed lawyer who can help the Executor of a Will (if one was appointed) or the beneficiaries of an estate get through probate as they work to settle an estate.

What Does a Probate Attorney Do?

Also known as a probate lawyer, probate attorneys are hired to help settle an estate. After the death of a loved one, their Estate Plan dictates the next steps. If they have a Will, probate will be necessary. Trusts won’t go through probate, which can sometimes make the process a bit less complicated and much more private.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate?

Whether or not you need a probate lawyer will depend on multiple factors and scenarios. You’ll want to consider things like:

Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney

If you do end up using a probate attorney, there are a few things you should know before retaining one. Asking questions up front will ensure there are no (costly) surprises along the way. Use the following list to help you find an attorney who will be the right fit for your exact needs.

What does a probate attorney do?

A probate attorney usually handles the process of estate administration after a person dies. An estate planning attorney, on the other hand, works with living clients on how their client's estates should be administered. The attorney could do that by helping clients prepare trusts, wills, and other relevant documents.

What is probate lawyer?

Generally speaking, probate lawyers, also called estate or trust lawyers, help executors of the estate (or “administrators," if there is no will) manage the probate process. They also may help with estate planning, such as the drafting of wills or living trusts, give advice on powers of attorney, or even serve as an executor or administrator.

What happens if you die with a will?

If an individual dies with a will, a probate lawyer may be hired to advise parties, such as the executor of the estate or a beneficiary, on various legal matters. For instance, an attorney may review the will to ensure the will wasn't signed or written under duress (or against the best interests of the individual).

What to do if someone dies without a will?

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help.

How is an estate distributed?

When this happens, your estate is distributed according to the intestacy laws of the state where the property resides, regardless of your wishes. For instance, if you are married, your surviving spouse receives all of your intestate property under many states' intestate laws.

Can you take your will with you when you die?

As the old saying goes, you can't take it with you when you die. But a probate lawyer can help surviving family members settle your debts and distribute your assets after you're gone, with or without a will. So what is a probate lawyer?

What is Probate?

The term “probate” refers to the legal process of filing with the courts and validating a will or trust, determining heirs, paying debts of the deceased, and passing certain assets from a deceased person to their beneficiaries or heirs.

Does There Have to Be a Last Will and Testament For Probate to Take Place?

No. While people often think of probate as a process that takes place when someone has left a last will and testament, it may also be necessary when someone dies without leaving a will.

Why You Need That Probate Attorney

As if the “simple” explanations above weren’t enough to keep up with, there are many more provisions and provisos in state law that govern the probate process.

What You Should Know About Florida Estate Planning and Probate Law

Even with a probate attorney on your side, there are a handful of things that you should know about Florida probate law (a few of which have been mentioned already.)

Who Does What

• When you’re winding up an estate, there’s usually a lot of legwork to be done—things like making phone calls and gathering documents. Many of these tasks don’t need to be done by someone with a law degree. So if you’re paying the lawyer by the hour, you’ll probably want to volunteer to take on some of this work yourself. Just make sure it’s clear who is responsible for what tasks, s…

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Important Dates

Dealing with Beneficiaries and Creditors

Getting Legal Advice as You Go