When someone passes away, managing their estate can be a daunting task. Personal representatives – sometimes called executors – must take many different legal steps during the probate process. Thankfully, they do not have to bear these responsibilities alone. How can the support of an attorney help?
1. Lawyers understand the probate process and the legal requirements.
Administering an estate involves many different tasks. This includes filing the necessary documents within the required deadlines, paying estate taxes, adhering to state and federal laws and managing the assets in the estate throughout the probate process. A lawyer who knows probate law well can offer valuable advice and make sure that the personal representative fulfills every legal requirement.
2. The support of an attorney can help you complete the probate process more quickly.
A skilled lawyer can move the probate process along faster by avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring that you fulfill your responsibilities effectively. A quicker probate process also means that the heirs get their inheritance sooner.
3. A lawyer can help make the probate process less complex.
For someone not used to legal processes, probate can be particularly challenging. It can also take a lot of time. A lawyer’s familiarity with these complexities can make things easier and less stressful for the personal representative. They can help prepare and file court documents, represent the estate in court and handle other legal needs.
4. An attorney can help resolve disputes.
Sometimes, disagreements happen among heirs or between heirs and the personal representative during probate. A lawyer can work as a mediator to settle disputes nicely or represent the personal representative in court if things get more serious. They can also provide protection from personal legal problems and make sure the estate’s assets are distributed properly.
5. A lawyer’s assistance can provide you with peace of mind.
One of the biggest benefits of having a lawyer is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that a lawyer is helping can make you feel sure that you have done your legal duties.
The role of a personal representative is critically important and can be quite challenging, especially during a time of grief. Working with a lawyer during probate can help. Whether managing legal matters of the estate or offering support and advice, a lawyer’s help can let personal representatives handle the probate process with confidence.
