Probate Law Attorney

Trust Our Years of Experience

Probate is the legal process by which a person’s will is proved in court. Once it is ruled valid, a decedent’s property can then be retitled or transferred to his or her beneficiaries. Many people seek to avoid this process. Probate can take several months to a year, during which time a person’s loved ones could need the property or money left to them. However, people can protect their beneficiaries from this process with a little advanced planning.

We deal with the following aspects of probate law:

• Conservatorships
• Guardianships
• Trusts
• Estate planning
• Living trusts
• Dispute resolution

Negative Aspects of Probate

Many states require a 30- to 90-day waiting period as part of the probate process, which is why many people try to avoid it altogether. The process can stretch on even longer if a relative or potential heir decides to contest the will or the court’s asset distribution. The more time it takes, the more legal fees will come out of the value of the estate itself. Likewise, when people die without a will, the state often determines how their properties are distributed. States may make choices that you would have disagreed with in life, which is why people often choose to plan their estate in advance.

Let Us Help You Make a Plan for the Future

People often avoid thinking about the end of their life. It’s an unpleasant subject matter for most. However, you’re never too young to be prepared for the future. If your family has a history of Alzheimer’s disease, for example, making a living trust now can ensure that your loved ones know how to care for you if you later succumb to the same illness. Also, creating a particular kind of will can ensure that your friends and relatives can avoid as much probate as possible after your death.