When someone passes away, it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Not only are you trying to navigate grief, but you may also be responsible for making funeral arrangements. Unfortunately, when probate is included in this time, it can add more stress and make matters even more unmanageable. As such, it’s imperative to understand that working with a probate attorney can help you navigate this process to ensure this complicated legal matter goes as smoothly as possible. If you’re unsure what a Pasco County, FL probate lawyer does or when to work with one, you’ll want to keep reading.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of distributing the assets in the estate of someone who has passed away. This process includes re-titling assets when they are transferred to the beneficiaries or intended heirs. Additionally, probate serves to ensure outstanding debts are settled and assets are managed properly until they have been distributed.
Generally, most assets will go through this process, unless they are held in a trust. There is a common misconception that only estates without a will in place must endure this process. In reality, even those who have a will are subject to probate, as the court must validate the will and oversee the distribution of assets in accordance with the terms and conditions of the document.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
The main role of a probate lawyer is to help the executor of the estate of a deceased person settle the estate. They may assist you by providing advice and answering questions surrounding this process or they can help by engaging in a more active role and distributing assets according to the will. Probate can be stressful and confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the law and estate planning. As such, a probate attorney can assist you in the following matters:
- Calculating inheritance taxes
- Inventorying the estate and assets
- Determining final debts owed and paying the appropriate creditors
- Preparing necessary court documents
- Connecting with appraisers to value the property held in the estate
If you’ve been tasked as the executor of the estate of your loved one, it is in your best interest to work with a probate attorney. When you try to navigate probate on your own, you may make errors that can drag this process out. Additionally, if disputes or other legal issues arise, such as beneficiaries or inheritors who try to challenge probate, it can make this process even more complicated if you do not have the assistance of an attorney.
At the Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A., we understand how difficult dealing with the death of a loved once can be. That’s why our firm is committed to assisting you through these challenging times. We can help handle the probate process so you can focus on celebrating the life of your loved one. Connect with us today to learn more about this process.