Why You Should Get A Probate Attorney
Most of us will have to deal with a probate attorney at some point in our lives. Given the fact that the probate process can be filled with conflict, an attorney can be of great help in managing tension. With a good attorney, you can expect to have smooth probate and a favorable settlement for all parties involved. Aside from making the process easy, below we look at other reasons why getting an attorney to complete the probate process is necessary.
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An attorney may help expedite the probate
It is no secret that the probate process comes with numerous details and settlement can take ages especially when the executor is inexperienced. Getting an attorney in such cases can help speed things up. That said, it is important to note that probate attorneys do not come with magic solutions and due process has to be followed until a settlement is reached.
Take care of special needs
Settling an estate may sometimes involve more than payment of debts and dividing the bequests. For example, the estate may need to be appraised. The appraisal process requires some specialized skills, and the process can be quite daunting for inexperienced persons. Instead of getting an attorney when things get thick along the way, it is always wise to get one at the beginning of the probate process in case other things need to be settled.
Dealing with Debts
Most executors are overly cautious when debts are involved and for a good reason too. No one wants to release the inheritance only to have creditors calling when the process has been completed. Even though the processes involved in debt settlement come with timelines, being overcautious can sometimes cause unnecessary delays. An experienced attorney can help prevent these delays and ensure that all debts are settled the right way.
What will the Probate attorney do?
Some of the tasks during the probate process do not require a lawyer. The beneficiaries or the executor can do things like gathering documents or making calls. If yours is a tight budget, you can always choose to complete some of the tasks and only leave the legal matters to the attorney. That said it is important to be clear from the word go and assign duties so that there are no unnecessary delays along the way.
While limited representation is a great choice when you do not want to spend much on an attorney, it is always good to confirm if you are not sure of any step. Confirm important deadlines and stay in touch with your attorney. This way, you can get updates on the probate case and take appropriate action where necessary.
If you are an executor, an attorney may save you from a legal lawsuit brought by a disgruntled beneficiary. Though the attorneys come at a cost, the benefits by far outweigh this cost. Just shop around, and you can be sure that you will get an attorney who comes with experience and matches your budget.
