If you’ve never been through the estate planning process or the probate process after a loss in the family, you may not understand what probate attorneys really do. Learn more about what to expect from this type of attorney and why it is important to have one on your side when you are writing a will and going through probate procedures.
Probate lawyers can write a will to protect your family
Although probate sounds like a confusing process, it is generally straightforward. Whenever someone dies, their will must be validated by the courts. This is especially easy to do if your loved one used a professional and experienced attorney to draft it. The faster this process occurs, the faster the beneficiaries will be able to receive their share of the estate.
Although talking about death and what happens after death is often uncomfortable, it is also vital. If your family knows what will happen to your belongings after your death, they are less likely to argue about who gets what during this stressful time. Ask your family members if there is something special they would like to receive. Perhaps one of your children has their hearts set on receiving their grandmother’s antique bedroom set and another wants to hang a special painting in their own home. Determining who gets what when you die and then notifying your family members can help ensure that there are no disputes over property after you are gone.
The Right Attorney Can Help You Avoid Taxes, Legally
Two things in life are for sure: death and taxes! However, probate attorneys may help protect your loved ones from high inheritance taxes, legally. If this is not done when the will is written, it can be modified later. You absolutely must enlist the help of probate attorneys if you are trying to avoid inheritance taxes. Without the help of an attorney, you could expose yourself to trouble from the IRS and state tax offices.
Fight a challenge of will
If a family member is dissatisfied with the content of a will and feels they have been snubbed, they probably face a challenge. This can be a long and expensive process, especially if you need probate attorneys to help you, so it should not be taken lightly. However, if you are a beneficiary and you suspect that your loved one was not of sound mind during the estate planning process, you can challenge it to protect your family member’s estate.
Whether you are in the early stages of estate planning, a loved one recently passed away, or you are concerned about contesting a will, an experienced attorney can assist you throughout the process. To find an experienced attorney in your area, talk to your friends and family and ask if they have had a positive experience with someone in your local area. Personal recommendations are the best way to connect with an attorney, but if you can’t find one, do some research on the internet to locate a firm with impeccable customer reviews.