Probate: A Process Handled One Step at a Time
Understanding Probate
When a loved one has passed, property may be in his/her name alone. This property passes through the "probate process" which generally refers to the entire estate administration process through Surrogate's Court. On its' most basic level, the probate process is about appointing a fiduciary to handle the estate who will gather estate assets, pay estate debts and administration expenses, file tax returns, account to parties, make distributions and then close the estate.
The whole point of probate is that it is a process. It can have any number of twists and turns but cannot be avoided when needed. As the process can be long and difficult, obtaining help that keeps matters on track and moving forward makes a difference. It's not a sprint but a marathon.
What To Consider
As a person appointed as the fiduciary of an estate when a loved one has passed, it's important to know you can work hand-in-hand with your estate attorney. Estates can seemingly fall apart leading to greater problems. No one wants to deal with that after a loved one has passed.
There are various factors that affect any probate matter. A few highlights include:
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Is there a Will?
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Are minors involved?
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What assets will pass through "probate"?
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Are there known debts?
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Were tax returns filed?
Work With An Experienced Estate Attorney
Find legal help with your probate matter by working with an estate attorney you feel comfortable with. It's like a helping hand through a most difficult and confusing time.
This will allow you to...
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Feel more confident about the entire probate process.
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Focus on each step in the process knowing some matters may be urgent and others can wait until another step down the road.
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Find a sense of peace knowing you have the support you need to help you work through the process and close the estate as efficiently as possible.
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Keep the family unit intact, to the extent possible, which while you work through all the steps in the process.
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Move on with life after the process is completed knowing you completed your work in a diligent and caring manner.
