A probate attorney is responsible for following through with the legal process in regards to the estate of an individual who has passed away. Their primary responsibilities include making sure that the deceased’s will is valid and that the inventory on the individual’s property actually exists. Probate lawyers also make sure that the property has been appraised and that all of the individual’s unpaid taxes and debts are paid off in full. The property can then be distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.
Even though no state requires an individual to hire a probate lawyer to properly distribute the estate, there are a number of reasons why it would be helpful to do so. If you have a family member who is threatening to sue over the estate or cannot agree to the terms of the deceased’s will, you must hire an attorney immediately. More often than not there are no disagreements in the distribution of the will and everything runs smoothly.
When to Hire a Probate Lawyer
Anytime an individual in your family passes away and there is a will that is involved you should hire a probate lawyer to go over the will with a fine-tooth comb. All wills are different and there may be some aspects to it that you simply cannot decipher on your own. Probate attorneys have the ability to help you create a will and also make sure that it is fulfilled as it is stated.
The protection of assets is one of the key reasons to hire a probate attorney. The documents that are required can be tedious and difficult to understand. Probate attorneys understand probate law and what is required when it comes to preparing and filing all of the documents that are required by the state in which you live.
Probate Attorneys in California
If someone you loved has passed away then it is best that you hire a probate attorney in Sacramento or the city that you live. Even though it can be a difficult period of time for a family to go through, it will make it much easier with you have a professional who knows the ins and outs of probate law and can help do what is best for your loved one and your family. Probate law can get very complicated so be sure to hire an experience attorney who can help.