Montgomery County Probate Lawyer
Posted on Fri May 26, 2023, on Probate and Estate Administration
Probate Lawyer Montgomery County, PA
Probate is a legal process that occurs after a person has passed away. It is essential to have a Montgomery County, PA probate lawyer, who can assist not only with future planning, but also with the probate process. Although the probate process is often feared by many, there are several reasons for probate and numerous steps that should be taken to reach a resolution. Occasionally, complications can arise during probate, which is why it is important to work with a firm like Klenk Law, which can play an integral role throughout the process.
Steps in the Probate Process
Probate is a legal process typically required after a person passes away. During probate, the courts validate the decedent’s will, and the estate is settled. It’s important to note that the steps in probate can vary depending on whether a person has passed away with a will or died intestate (without a will). During probate, the decedent’s assets are reviewed, beneficiaries are identified, the court validates the will, and all debts and taxes are paid. The following are the key steps in probate:
1. File a petition with the probate court
2. Notify all creditors, beneficiaries, and heirs
3. Take an inventory of all assets
4. Resolve all debts
5. Distribute assets to beneficiaries
Once our Montgomery County probate lawyer has assisted the client with these critical steps, the estate can officially be closed.
Potential Probate Complications
With appropriate planning, probate is not something that people should fear. However, it is essential to note that complications can arise with probate, some of which can be costly and can prolong the resolution of the estate, such as:
1. No will in place
2. The will is contested
3. Claims are made on the estate
4. The executor no longer wants to fulfill their duties
5. Challenges with locating assets
6. The validity of the will has been challenged
Unfortunately, probate can become incredibly difficult, especially when complications arise, or there is no will in place. Because of this, it is essential to work with an experienced probate lawyer who can assist with the following:
1. Educating clients about the probate process
2. Helping expedite the probate process
3. Answering any questions clients may have
4. Helping to prevent conflict within the family
5. Ensuring that debts are accurately determined and paid
6. Ensuring that inheritance is not distributed prematurely
7. Developing an estate plan while a person is still living to prevent complications from arising down the road
8. Preventing claims from being made against the estate or mitigating the possibility of their occurrence
When a person dies, the legal process can become incredibly complicated for estate administrators and families. This process has several steps, all of which should be carefully considered and resolved before settling the estate. Because of this, our Montgomery County probate lawyer from Klenk Law can play a vital role throughout. Call today to get started!
