Learning about the death of your loved one is an enough trauma to deal with. Learning that they had named you the executor in their will who is responsible for settling their estate is even more traumatic. The executor as well as the deceased’s family is often faced with so many court formalities and legal jargon during this period and it is even more complicated when the estate is a complex one, or they left without a valid last will. These among others are some reasons why you need the assistance of a probate attorney NY 10001. We understand how complex the NY probate process is, and so we help our clients navigate the system with empathy and professionalism.
As the process is legal, families and executors are not advised to work alone. Get legal assistance from a probate attorney near you 10001. Call our law office to speak with a lawyer.
Things the probate attorney NY 10001 will assist you with
Before hiring a probate attorney, it’s good you understand the process and know the kind of service they would be rendering. Probate is legal, begins with the court and ends with the court.
In between, there are several important duties which the executor must carry out. He must file a petition to the probate court to begin probate, and this involves some paperwork which your attorney would help with. The court then checks the will’s validity and if true, the executor is given authority over the estate to valuate and appraise it, fill tax return forms and pay estate tax, expenses and debts, before disbursing the estate to the beneficiaries. All these functions are hardly ever as straightforward as they seem. They involve paperwork and there may be disputes between family members over property.
A probate attorney assists the executor throughout their duties and may even do it for them if the executor desire’s such. A probate attorney can also help educate all interested parties, so they understand fully the intent of the will and the New York probate system. This helps to avoid unnecessary disputes and accusations.
Attorney fees, court fees, estate tax, funeral expenses, and all other probate-related expenses are paid out of the estate purse and not the executor’s.
Reasons why you need to hire the probate attorney 10001
- Administration of the estate goes much quickly and smoothly
NY probate is characterized by its complex and lengthy nature. Depending on the nature and value of the estate been probated, the whole process can take months or even years. But having a legal professional working with the executor makes things go on much faster and smoother.
- Ensures accuracy
As have been said, probate involves a lot of paperwork and filing of documents with the court. Any mistake or missing information on the part of the executor can lead to rejection by the court. But your probate attorney 10001 ensures that all documents are accurately filed. This helps keep the process in constant motion.
- Dealing with debts and tax
Before an estate can be disbursed, estate debts and tax as well as other financial obligations must first be settled. The probate attorney will work with the executor to ensure that tax return forms are filed on time and correctly to avoid penalties, and that the correct amount of debt is paid. Dealing with the creditors of a deceased is not always easy as some may not be legitimate. But an experienced attorney always knows what instruments to employ.
- Prevents family tension and lawsuits
During probate, family members can squabble over property because they do not properly understand the will or the probate process, or may even contest the will and litigate because they perceive foul play in the will. Estate litigation can cost an estate significant expenses and time. An attorney working closely with the family can ease all these tension by liaising with and enlightening them. He also ensures transparency on the part of the executor in order to prevent accusations of wrongful financial practices.
Contact a probate attorney near you 10001
At our probate law firm NY, we understand the grief that follows the death of a loved one. Coupled with this, probate becomes even more traumatic. And that is why our aim is to get the stress off your shoulders and ease the tension. We do not only play an advisory role, but would work actively with you to execute your duties and prevent complications and costly mistakes. Call our office to speak with a probate attorney 10001 NY.