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Probate Services Made Simple
Navigate the probate process with confidence. Expert attorney guidance every step of the way.
Start Probate ProcessWhy You Need a Probate Attorney
While some estates qualify for simplified probate procedures, others can become legally and financially intricate. A probate attorney helps by:
Ensuring compliance with state laws
Resolving disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
Representing the estate in court if necessary
Handling creditor claims
Facilitating asset distribution
Having a skilled probate lawyer by your side can help avoid costly mistakes, reduce stress, and protect the estate’s value.
How to Get Started
Simple online process to begin your probate case
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Create Your Account
Register online in minutes. Secure access to your case dashboard 24/7.
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Complete the Questionnaire
Our step-by-step wizard guides you through providing all necessary information about the estate.
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Consultation
Your assigned attorney reviews your case, prepares documents, and schedules a consultation with you.
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We Handle the Process
From court filings to final distribution, your attorney manages everything while keeping you informed.
Why Choose Our Probate Services
Complete Support
From filing to closing, we handle every aspect of the probate process for you.
Faster Resolution
Experienced attorneys expedite the process while ensuring legal compliance.
Cost Clarity
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Family Mediation
We help resolve family disputes and navigate complex beneficiary situations.
Direct Access
Communicate directly with your attorney, not just paralegals or assistants.
Education First
We explain each step so you understand the process and your options.
What We Handle For You
Comprehensive probate administration
Understanding Probate
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's estate is properly distributed to heirs and designated beneficiaries, and any debt owed to creditors is paid off. It involves proving in court that a deceased person's will is valid, identifying and inventorying the deceased person's property, having that property appraised, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property as the will (or state law, if there's no will) directs.
When is Probate Required?
Probate is typically required when someone passes away owning assets solely in their name. This includes real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, vehicles, and other personal property. However, not all assets require probate—assets with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) or jointly owned property typically pass outside of probate.
The Probate Timeline
The probate process typically takes 9-18 months, though complex estates may take longer. The timeline depends on several factors including the size of the estate, whether the will is contested, the number of beneficiaries, tax issues, and court schedules in your jurisdiction. Our experienced attorneys work to expedite the process while ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Your Role as Executor or Administrator
As the executor (named in the will) or administrator (appointed by the court), you have important legal responsibilities including:
- Filing the will with the probate court
- Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
- Taking inventory of all estate assets
- Managing estate property during probate
- Paying valid debts and taxes
- Distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries
- Providing accounting's to the court and beneficiaries
Why Professional Help Matters
Probate involves strict legal procedures and deadlines. Mistakes can result in personal liability, delays, and additional costs. Our attorneys guide you through each requirement, handle complex paperwork, communicate with the court and beneficiaries, and protect you from potential legal issues. We make a difficult time less stressful by managing the legal complexities while you focus on your family.
Frequently asked questions
While not legally required in all cases, having an attorney is highly recommended. Probate involves complex legal procedures, strict deadlines, and potential liability for executors. An attorney ensures all legal requirements are met, protects you from personal liability, handles disputes between beneficiaries, communicates with the court, and expedites the process. The peace of mind and protection from costly mistakes far outweigh the attorney fees.
Typically, probate takes 9-18 months from start to finish. Simple estates with no disputes may be completed in 6-9 months, while complex estates or contested wills can take 2 years or more. The timeline depends on factors like estate complexity, court schedules, tax issues, and whether beneficiaries cooperate. We work efficiently to move your case through the system as quickly as possible while ensuring all legal requirements are properly met.
When someone dies without a will (called "intestate"), their estate still goes through probate. The court will appoint an administrator (usually a close family member) to manage the estate. Assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws, which typically prioritize spouses, children, parents, and siblings in that order. The probate process is similar, but may take slightly longer since the court must determine heirs and appoint an administrator.
Yes, with proper estate planning. Living trusts, joint ownership with right of survivorship, payable-on-death accounts, and properly designated beneficiaries can help assets pass outside of probate. However, if probate is already necessary for the current estate, we'll guide you through the process efficiently. We can also help you plan your own estate to minimize or avoid probate for your heirs in the future.
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