Services

About Probate

When there is a death of a loved one, I have two kinds of people calling me: 1. The one that wants to take care of it immediately; and 2. The one that delays taking action. Both are likely a result of busy lives, and the way the person copes. Lately, I have had many people who waited years to deal with this. This could be because they did not know what to do or expect, or that they were afraid of the mess they would find. My goal is to help you through the process and get things transferred so that you and the others involved can work through your own estate planning.
Phase 1
Gather the information, file the Will in Probate, and determine if this is a "Release of Administration" or "Full Estate". At that time if there is no Will, then I will need to know if you can be "Bonded".
Phase 1
Gather the information, file the Will in Probate, and determine if this is a "Release of Administration" or "Full Estate". At that time if there is no Will, then I will need to know if you can be "Bonded".
Phase 2
Gather the assets and the debt and file the Inventory; this is usually due within 90 days of begin appointed by the Court.
Phase 2
Gather the assets and the debt and file the Inventory; this is usually due within 90 days of begin appointed by the Court.
Phase 3
We review the debts, have the final decedent's tax returns filed, and then determine what assets will be used to pay the debts and administrative costs.
Phase 3
We review the debts, have the final decedent's tax returns filed, and then determine what assets will be used to pay the debts and administrative costs.
Phase 4
With me as your guide, we will schedule each step through the process, and work together to do your job as Executor or Administrator and close the estate. <br />I walk through this process when I help my clients with their estate planning.
Phase 4
With me as your guide, we will schedule each step through the process, and work together to do your job as Executor or Administrator and close the estate. <br />I walk through this process when I help my clients with their estate planning.
Services

Appointment Preparation

For your first appointment, you should gather the following:
  • The Will, and the Executor in the Will
  • Certified Death Certificate
  • Answers to these questions: Was the decedent married? Did the Decedent have children; please provide their names and addresses and ages. If there is a spouse, is this the parent of each of the children named? Did the Decedent own real estate? Provide addresses. Do you have Bank and Investment Statements for the Decedent?  If yes, you will bring them with you to our meeting. Do you have the Decedent's Bills?

Services

The Process

I walk through this process when I help my clients with their estate planning. We think and discuss what could go wrong and how to make this an easy process or to avoid the process through a Trust or naming beneficiaries. Each person has a unique situation in that involves the people in their lives. The goal is to empower the Executor/Trustee to handle this efficiently and effectively and not have to lose time on situations that could be avoided. Having a Trusted Advisor help you during Estate Planning, and at the death of a loved one or if your loved one can no longer take care of their legal and financial affairs.