Losing a Loved One is Hard Enough. Let Us Help with Probate.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things a person has to go through. Aside from dealing with your sadness and grief, you also have to deal with your loved one’s assets and debts. One issue that must be addressed is how to administer the estate in compliance with the law.
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s debts or taxes are paid and assets are distributed to heirs. It is also used to prove the validity of a will under which an estate is administered. Estate administration includes the probate and non-probate transfers of the decedent’s assets to designated beneficiaries, and the preparation and filing of estate, inheritance, and income tax returns.
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s debts or taxes are paid and assets are distributed to heirs. It is also used to prove the validity of a will under which an estate is administered. Estate administration includes the probate and non-probate transfers of the decedent’s assets to designated beneficiaries, and the preparation and filing of estate, inheritance, and income tax returns.
How Can a Probate Attorney Help You?
There are very specific rules and timelines associated with the probate process and estate administration. For this reason, it is prudent to consult an attorney experienced in probate and estate administration. We provide you with professional and effective representation on all of your Washington estate administration and probate issues, to ensure that the assets of your estate are distributed correctly.
There are very specific rules and timelines associated with the probate process and estate administration. For this reason, it is prudent to consult an attorney experienced in probate and estate administration. We provide you with professional and effective representation on all of your Washington estate administration and probate issues, to ensure that the assets of your estate are distributed correctly.
Probate court can be very confusing and time-consuming for someone who is not familiar with the process. However, an experienced probate attorney can advise and assist the with the following. Click to Learn More...
identifying necessary documents
When a family member or friend passes away, the Personal Representative of the estate must identify and locate various important documents that will be used by the probate court to determine how the deceased person’s property should be distributed. These documents may include: a death certificate, last will and testament, real estate deeds, financial information, funeral bills, etc.
preparing court filings
In order to start the probate process, someone needs to prepare and file the necessary documents with the court. These documents typically need to be prepared by an attorney. Hiring the right probate attorney can help streamline this process and ensure that all of the right forms and documents are submitted to the probate court for processing.
inventory of probate assets
The Personal Representative of the estate must take an inventory of all of the decedent’s assets and determine which assets should be included in the probate estate. This may require the Personal Representative to review life insurance documents, real estate deeds, titling of accounts, beneficiary designations and trust documents. Having an experienced probate attorney to help with this process can be extremely beneficial.
settling outstanding debts
Once all of the decedent’s assets are inventoried, the Personal Representative of the estate is required (most of the time) to provide notice to the decedent’s creditors so that any outstanding debt claims can be addressed and paid accordingly.
distribution of assets
Once the decedent’s probate estate is inventoried and all debts are paid, the Personal Representative is required to distribute the remaining probate assets according to a will or intestate laws. This process may require that certain assets be appraised/sold and a probate attorney can help and advise the Personal Representative throughout this process.