People take legal matters into their own hands every day, and sometimes they lose money and property in the process. You can make a legally binding contract without using an attorney, but you are risking missing some big legal loopholes and laws you may not be familiar with that can not only make your contract invalid but can actually cost you in the end. When you are selling or purchasing real estate, tackling the creation of a will or even just loaning money to a friend, a consultation with an attorney can be a positive step. I'll show you when and why you need an attorney.
Having a loved one pass away can be very difficult emotionally, and in the weeks and months following it can be very hard to settle an estate. When an estate has to go through probate, settling an estate can be even more complicated. Probate is a legal process where a last will and testament is verified, the value of assets is determined, final bills and taxes are paid, and assets are distributed to heirs. If you are an executor of a loved one's estate, it is in your best interest to hire a probate lawyer. Some of the top reasons to hire a probate lawyer include:
Help with the Process
Like many situations that go through the court system, probate requires submitting paperwork and documents in a timely manner. An experienced probate lawyer will know exactly what will need to be done, and he or she will ensure that all pertinent information is filed in court.You can count on your probate lawyer to answer any questions that you may have and ensure that the entire process goes smoothly.
Prevent Fighting Among Family Members
Unfortunately, when a person passes away it is not uncommon for family members to fight over money and assets. As the executor of an estate, it can be incredibly stressful to argue with other people in the family about who is getting what. Hiring a probate lawyer can help limit any discord or bad feelings. An experienced probate lawyer will be able to explain exactly what is laid out in a person's will and help heirs understand exactly what they are legally entitled to.
Keep Things Moving
The process of going to probate court can be a long one. It can take months or even years for an estate to clear probate if you don't know what you're doing. Hiring an experienced probate lawyer will help ensure that who has a deep understanding of probate court can help speed up the process. The faster an estate goes through probate, the faster all assets can be distributed so everyone can move on with their lives.
Validating Debts
If a person dies with unpaid debts or tax obligations, those debts will need to be paid out of the assets held by the estate. A good probate lawyer will work hard to validate all debts owed by the deceased. Your probate lawyer, such as from the office of Patricia K Wood Atty, will be able to make sure that the estate only pays what is owed and that no over payments are made.
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