When someone dies and leaves a will, it must be authenticated and administered. This process is called probate, and while it is possible to probate a will without the help of a lawyer, here are five reasons you should work with a professional.
When someone dies and leaves a will, it must be authenticated and administered. This process is called probate, and while it is possible to probate a will without the help of a lawyer, here are five reasons you should work with a professional. 1. AVOID CONFLICTS Tension between family members can lead to conflict, especially if substantial estates are involved. Hiring a probate lawyer is a good way to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that communication between family members is clear. Hiring a lawyer is also a good way for the executor of the will to show they want the process to go smoothly. 2. AVOID CLAIMS Claims against an estate happen relatively often. For instance, people not mentioned in the will may feel this is unfair and demand compensation. This can also happen when the deceased has debts that have not been settled. Whatever the case, working with a probate lawyer can either help avoid these issues or easily navigate them. 3. AVOID REJECTION AND DELAYS Courts require certain documents to complete the probate process. If these are not completed and filed correctly, a court may simply reject the estate, which is a considerable legal headache. Probate lawyers know these documents well, and can ensure they are filled out and filed properly. This ensures the estate will not be rejected and that it will be probated promptly. 4. AVOID FINANCIAL PROBLEMS One of the most time-consuming aspects of being the executor of a will is reviewing the deceased's finances to ensure that every outstanding debt or expense is identified and accounted for. This is a crucial step, but it can also be extremely complex, so retaining the help of a lawyer is a good way to avoid bad surprises and ensure that the beneficiaries receive the money they are entitled to. 5. AVOID UNCERTAINTY AND MISTAKES Finally, it is important to note that most people do not have much experience being the executor of a will. Going through the probate process alone can be harrowing and lead to potentially costly errors. A probate lawyer provides invaluable support and can explain every aspect of the process so you can make the right decisions. FIND A PROBATE LAWYER NEAR YOU Whether you need help with probate or want to discuss an estate plan, you can rely on the wills and estate lawyers at Gittens & Associates to provide reliable and outstanding service. Contact us today to make an appointment.
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