Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Probate Tips for Getting Through the Process Faster and with Less Hassle




Probate Tips for Getting Through the Process Faster and with Less Hassle 

Probate lawyers are well aware of the hassles and headaches that families face when a loved one’s estate goes into probate.  Not only might a family have struggled to make ends meet due to the inability to afford long-term care insurance, but the process can drag out, eating up not just time but also resources that would have otherwise gone to beneficiaries.  Appointed executors find themselves with burdensome responsibilities that can compound their grief.  In order to navigate the process as quickly and smoothly as possible, probate lawyers recommend you keep the following in mind:

Probate Tip #1:  Hire an Experienced Probate Attorney

It may be tempting to navigate probate alone, but a good probate lawyer will be able to make the entire process more efficient.  The attorney’s expertise will guide you steadily in the right direction and keep you on track for closing probate as quickly as possible.


Probate Tip #2:  Notify Creditors Quickly

Part of the probate process is making creditors aware of the death.  As long as the probate is open, creditors can come looking for payment, which can significantly slow down process.  Instead, it is better to get everything lined up as quickly as possible to be able to move on to the next phase.

Probate Tip #3:  Get an Appraised Inventory

As the executor works with the estate, he or she should be creating an inventory of its assets and getting appraisals when appropriate, whether on personal effects, real estate, or other assets.  The courts may need to be involved with the process, so discuss it with your probate lawyer.

Probate Tip #4:  Don’t Miss Deadlines

There are specific deadlines set for when documents need to be filed.  Missing these deadlines will lead to the need for more court appearances (i.e. time, hassle and more money), as well as keeping probate open—and the estate vulnerable—for that much longer.

10 comments:

  1. Great post. My friend Robyn lost her father and I feel like there is nothing I can do to help her. She was talking about getting a California probate attorney and I didn't know what that was so I have been doing some research. Thanks for all the great information.

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  2. The probate area of law can be simple or very complicated depending on the proficiency of estate planning made by the deceased. Issues with your estate can lead to emotional distress for your family. Hiring a probate lawyer in such kind of conditions is a really sensible move.
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  3. These are great probate tips and I have been so grateful for my own probate attorney in Salt Lake City that has definitely been worth his weight in gold. I have a better appreciation for what you guys do.

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  4. An expertly wise probate attorney is the answer to avoid all the hassles that may come your way.

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  5. These are good tips. I think in general people know what they are supposed to do, but somehow get distracted by other things. I know that happened to me when I was looking for a probate attorney in Seattle, WA and it took me longer than it should have, but I got it taken care of now.

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  6. The next resource to explore information about a probate lawyer will be friends, relatives and acquaintances. They can guide you about the name of the probate lawyer they have worked with. They can also suggest you about the work style of the lawyer, his fees, and whether he was approachable or not.
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  7. These tips definitely come in handy! Estates can become really complicated. I'm so glad that so many law groups exist that can help make the process easier. Like some of these comments say, though, it's important to do your research before you find a good one. But again, tons of good ones are out there. Thanks for the tips! http://www.kasman.com

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  8. Great article.......Thank u very much.It really is possible to possess a trust and nonetheless need a probate. Should you don’t fund your trust correctly or should you must get rid of a liability, you will need to visit Probate Court. Nonetheless, probate is always a great clean revenue stream for the lawyer. An attorney usually loves to acquire a probate.probate lawyers

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  9. I think your first tip is the most important one. Getting an experienced probate lawyer who knows what they are doing is going to save a lot of time and hassle. I would suggest looking online to read feedback that different lawyers have gotten so you can make an educated decision on who you choose. http://iowawillsprobate.com/practice/

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  10. Thanks for your efforts for writing this blog and the blog is very informative.Estate planning can be used to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and to maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses.
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