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(305) 606-6139 | (305) 285-3042
Let's Work Together! Call us Now! (305) 606-6139 | (305) 285-3042
Life is unpredictable, often throwing death or incapacity at us at times we least expect. When you suffer either, your loved ones will likely need to deal with the complex and overwhelming legal system at a time when they should be focusing on mourning your loss or tending to your needs. To prevent this, planning ahead to ensure they can instead honor you and care for you without unnecessary stress is crucial.
Doing so guarantees that your assets and wealth are kept within the family and distributed as you wish instead of being turned over to the state. If you are concerned about the many issues that may arise with the transfer of your estate to your beneficiaries, a probate law firm can assist you with both preventative and reactive measures. They can help you plan to prevent potential problems and respond appropriately to any issues that do arise.
SG Law Group is one such law firm serving Palm Beach, Florida. Its probate lawyers leverage their experience and knowledge of the law to steer your case in the right direction. In addition, its probate wills attorneys specialize in constructing wills so your loved ones can avoid probate.
Probate is when a court oversees the distribution of a deceased person's assets and property to their heirs and beneficiaries. It is notoriously complex and time-consuming, but it may be necessary to ensure that the decedent's wishes are carried out and their assets are distributed accordingly.
The probate process typically begins by filing a petition with the court, requesting it to appoint an executor or personal representative to oversee an estate's administration. The executor is responsible for handling several things, including:
If the deceased did not leave a will, the court will appoint an administrator to handle the estate's distribution without a petition being filed and the assets will be distributed according to state law. This makes the process much more complicated.
Courts also review and approve or deny any claims against the estate during probate. This can include creditor claims, tax liens, and other outstanding debts. The process can vary considerably from case to case. Partnering with a probate process lawyer will help keep your case as stress-free as possible.
After resolving all debts and claims, the assets that make up the estate can then be allocated or distributed among the beneficiaries. The executor or administrator must provide an account of the estate's assets and how it was distributed to the court and beneficiaries.
Probate is not always necessary. Depending on the estate in question, there may be viable alternatives to probate. One example is if an estate is small. If so, avoiding probate entirely or using simplified probate procedures may be possible.
By creating a trust, you can transfer ownership of your assets while you are alive, which can help your loved ones avoid probate after your death. A trust provides a mechanism for managing and distributing your assets to your beneficiaries in accordance with your wishes.
Another option when avoiding probate is joint ownership, or adding another to the title of an asset, such as a bank account or real estate. In joint ownership, when one owner dies, the other automatically assumes full ownership of the asset, without probate.
Remember that the rules regarding probate and its alternatives can vary by state, so it's essential to consult with an estate planning attorney to determine the best option for your specific situation.
