Probate attorneys are state licensed professionals that know all law aspects related to estate executors or beneficiaries when surrounding deceased people. This professional is sometimes known as estate attorney. He/she will be responsible for personal representatives handling through probate processes from the start to when all is settled. Representatives mentioned in wills, estate planning and trusts are usually helped, among others.
The problem with the services offered by probate attorneys is that most people do not even know what a probate is. We are faced with various misconceptions and in so many cases people choose to go to battle without the help of the specialists. One thing you should realize is that even if there is a will and you are listed as the beneficiary of a property, it is possible that you will not get it. This is because such situations are very complex. Being helped by the attorney is normally needed.
Since many do not know what a probate attorney in Seattle does, here is what you should know. Below are the most common of the services offered.
- Getting appraisals so that actual value of properties is determined when analyzing assets of a deceased.
- Locating and securing the probate assets, together with non-probate assets.
- Preparing absolutely all the important documents that would be needed by probate courts. This is done in the suitable time frame.
- Collecting the life insurance proceeds that appear for a given beneficiary.
- Advice is offered about final bills payments for the decedent, together with outstanding debts that may exist.
- Rolling over the potential retirement plans while keeping track of estate documents.
- Helping with the sale of real estate property while addressing income tax issues that could appear.
- Analyzing all necessary estate or inheritance taxes based on federal and state loans.
- Settling the possible disputes that appear between personal representatives and beneficiaries.
- Obtaining the permission of the court to take actions connected with state probate laws and real estate re-titling towards beneficiaries.
- Assisting with asset distribution after bills and taxes are paid.
Finding A Probate Attorney
The truth is there is a little shortage of available experienced probate attorneys in some parts of the country. It is really important that the attorney considered has the necessary experience to tackle all possible situations. That is especially the case when dealing with highly complex situations like having a will that is contested. You will need to conduct a good research and have patience so the very best professionals can be located.
The good news is the internet makes it so much simpler to find experienced probate attorneys. You would be able to find a list of those that service your area and then choose based on the results gained for clients. Generally speaking, when looking at the more complex cases it is important to hire someone that is very experienced, although fees will be higher. When there is no contestation and the process should be straightforward, it is very simple to go through the process and the probate attorney might not even be needed.