Understanding The Probate Process

By Author: John F. Williams
Total Articles: 4
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When it comes to your last will and testament or any of your estate planning needs, it is critical to rely on a reputable and responsible attorney in the area to ensure your needs are being met and your family is protected, even after you are gone. These matters can be intimidating and confusing as is, and are made more so when there is a probate process involved as well. A trained and knowledgeable attorney can stand by your side through this whole process, so you know that your interests are in the best hands possible.

What exactly is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised process of locating and determining the value of the assets owned by a deceased individual. This individual is referred to as the “decedent.” The administrator of the deceased’s estate provides the court with a list of assets, as well as pays the decedent’s final bills and all estate taxes. The remainder of the decedent’s assets is distributed amongst his or her heirs, according to the provisions regulated in the will. An expert attorney ...
... will better explain this process, which can be extremely daunting, especially if you’ve never been through it before.

Dealing with the Courts
Whenever a loved one passes counting on an experienced attorney when dealing with the courts is of the utmost importance. A reputable law firm will file the deceased’s will with the presiding court in the county where the deceased resided. The court will determine if the will is valid, and if it is, will appoint the person listed as the executor in the will as the administrator of the estate. If the person has died without a will, the court will make a determination as to the possible heirs to the estate, after reviewing a list of assets. Losing a loved one can be a trying time in itself, let alone having to worry about understanding a process you have never gone through before. An attorney in your area can utilize their vast experience in situations such as these, providing you peace of mind today.

Count on the Best
When dealing with the courts, it is extremely important to count on the best attorney in the area. You need an attorney with enough experience in cases just like yours that you know your needs are being met. The legal process can be extremely complicated, and an attorney can ease you mind while you are trying to sort through it.

About the Author
The Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. is dedicated to serving YOU when you need help with Bankruptcy, Probate, Business Planning or Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning. Our focus is to meet and exceed all of your legal expectations. You can count on our promise to deliver SERVICE that gets you the results you expect from the moment you hire us. Our law firm understands that you are more than just another client. We value the long term relationships we build with everyone who we have the opportunity to help. "Your Life is Our Life's Work."