Probate attorneys, also referred to as estate lawyers or estate attorneys, are responsible for advising the beneficiaries and personal representative throughout the entire process of probate. These experts guide executors and beneficiaries through the process of settling many final affairs after the loss of a loved one also referred to as a decedent. Probate laws dictate the process by which each step of probate must be performed, and these may change depending on the state laws associated with the location of the decedent’s property.
Asset Security
Probate assets are owned solely by the decedent, and they may include real estate, cars, jewelry, bank accounts, and any policy listing the decedent as a beneficiary. Probate attorneys in Ottawa, KS will help you through securing both probate assets and non-probate assets throughout the process of settling a decedent’s affairs. In this way, you can rest easy knowing that a person with true knowledge of the law is available for support and you can contact your local attorneys to get a FREE consultation.
Documentation
The probate process will begin with filing the petition to admit the will to probate and appointing either an executor or an administrator of the estate, depending on the presence of a will. Probate attorneys will know just which documents to fill out and file and how quickly these must be filed to ensure that they remain valid and within the law. If you should fail to fill out and file any critical documents, you could face serious problems in carrying out the contents of the decedent’s will.
Taxes
A probate attorney will also help you to determine if there are any estate or inheritance taxes to be due at the federal or state level. Owing federal estate taxes will only occur at a high dollar amount, meaning that you may very well be exempt from owing at that level. That said, it is very possible for taxes to be owed at the state level, depending on the state in which the decedent lived.
