Probate Lawyer Guide

When a person dies, their assets must be distributed by the laws of the state and following the instructions that the person specified when they were alive.

A probate lawyer is a state-licensed attorney who works with executors and beneficiaries of an estate to settle the affairs of the deceased. In some cases, probate can be avoided if all of the deceased's assets have been placed in trust. Doing this ensures an easy transfer of ownership without legal procedures and out of court.

The probate lawyer is also known as an estate attorney and will be involved in different ways depending on the particular circumstances of that estate. Your participation will depend on the value of the deceased's assets and whether or not the deceased had a will at the time of death.

In cases where a will does not exist, beneficiaries file claims and demands for what they believe they are entitled to. In situations where there is a will, doubts may arise regarding the validity of the will, which can also lead to litigation.

Specifically, here are some common tasks that a probate lawyer can assist the executor and beneficiaries during the probate process:

• Collect funds from life insurance policies
• Identify and secure heritage assets
• Obtain appraisals of the deceased's real estate
• Assist with payment of bills and debts
• Prepare and fill out all the documents required by the probate court
• Determine if any estate or inheritance taxes are owed, and make sure those debts are paid
• Resolve income tax matters
• Manage the estate checking account
• Transfer assets on behalf of the deceased to the appropriate beneficiaries
• Make a final distribution of assets to beneficiaries after all bills and taxes have been paid

If you are looking for the best probate lawyer and you probably have a probate issue you need help with, call Ascent Law, LLC for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. Ascent Law, LLC team wants to help you.