- A legitimate will was not drafted by the deceased.
- A will left by the deceased is contested.
- The Executor is willing but is unsure of how to carry out her or his duties.
- Creditor claims are disputed.
- The Executor is uncertain how to negotiate with creditors.
- Deadlines for probate actions are not understood or met.
- The heirs are uncertain and anxious about the process and timeline.
- Disputes may arise as to the distribution of the estate’s assets.
- Accountants may need to be hired to draft and file tax returns.
The list above outlines most common difficulties that can arise in administering a probate estate but may not address your specific concerns.
Five KEY
ELEMENTS of
probate
IS PROBATE
REALLY THAT
COMPLICATED?
YOU ARE NOT
ALONE
When you hire a competent probate attorney, you will not be left alone to navigate the probate process by yourself. Typically, your probate attorney will assume and manage the legal process of probate in the probate court alongside of you.
Executors are generally spouses or adult children of the deceased — people who are inexperienced in probate matters and need guidance in a stressful time. I can walk with you through the complex maze of legal procedures and translate the unfamiliar legal terminology. I will handle much of the seemingly endless paperwork, court filings, asset inventory, estate valuation, creditor claims, oversight of tax issues, and be there if there are probate disputes.
Our shared goal will be to ensure that your loved one’s estate is settled according to her or his wishes or based on state law if there is no will.
Why hire an
ATTORNEY for
probate?
where do
PROBATE
PROBLEMS
usually arise?
Let's allow the SPIRIT of the law to shine through
In sad and trying times following the death of a loved one, a skilled probate attorney is an indispensable asset. This scenario is especially true when prospective heirs have unrealistic or simply inaccurate expectations. These assumptions include inheritance amounts, timing of distribution, or whether or not they're even entitled to anything.
I am a highly-experienced attorney and mediator who has designed my practice around defusing potential conflict and in communicating clearly, knowledgeably, and compassionately.
In Washington the probate process is quite streamlined. That being said, there are certain steps that need to be taken in specified time frames.
The most frequent complication is not the probate process but, rather, the responses, reactions, and expectations of heirs and family. For instance, many heirs simply want to get on with their lives, making decisions and taking actions before the probate process is complete. In times of grief, it is common to need more help than usual, especially help to stay focused on details.
A death in the family is one of life’s most difficult experiences. If you have recently lost a loved one, let's work together to resolve related issues as efficiently as possible. Let me help to ensure that you're getting the support, help, and expertise you need.
The first step is to talk with a probate attorney. Please use the free consultation button on this page.
Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies and includes the following actions:
1) Prove in court that a deceased person's will is valid (usually a routine matter)
2) Identify and inventory the deceased person's property
3) Value the estate property
4) Pay creditor claims and taxes
5) Distribute the remaining property as the will (or state law, if there's no will) directs
Typically, probate involves paperwork and court appearances by attorneys. The attorneys and court fees are paid from estate property.