Probate & Estate Administration
A death in the family causes sadness and anxiety. A death also has legal ramifications. Primarily, a death causes ownership of a decedent’s property to pass from the decedent. The question is when, how and to whom does ownership pass. The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including whether or not the decedent had a valid Will.
Unfortunately, on many occasions, the failure to resolve property questions before death (in a Will) or the failure to properly address property transfer after death, lead to family disputes and expensive litigation
Our probate and estate attorneys help families avoid or resolve such questions by assisting with the interpretation of Wills and other documents, and the probate and administration of decedents’ estates. It is impossible for most people to realize how many different documents affect the passage of ownership of property at death. Insurance policies, bank account documents, divorce decrees, brokerage agreements, and many others may have as much effect as the decedent’s Will
When a person dies without a Will, property passes in accordance with State law. The determination of heirship and property rights require legal action. Our attorneys have handled all types of estate, large and small, testate (with a Will) or intestate (without a Will).
We also have experience in Will contests. Those are times when there is a dispute about whether the decedent had a Will or not and whether a Will is sufficient for probate
Finally, the administration of a decedent’s estate generally requires some legal action and the preparation of legal documents. Way too often these steps are never taken and future disputes arise over the property previously owned by the decedent. Our attorneys and staff are well qualified in this area and can help families through these steps as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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