Dealing with probate matters can be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done because it necessarily comes after what might be a great loss. At a time when you are grieving for a loved one or caught up in the shock of loss, you are also asked to begin a sometimes complex and detail-imbued legal process. Having a professional estate lawyer on your side can make a difference during such times.

Probate is actually the act of settling an estate after someone passes away. The complexity of the process — and how involved you need to be — depends on a variety of factors. The size of the estate, the number of heirs, the presence or absence of a will and whether anyone disputes any of the probate facts all make a difference. If someone disputes the validity of the will or unknown heirs suddenly make an appearance, the probate process can take months or even more than a year.

Our firm works with you throughout the probate process. If you’ve been named as the executor of an estate, we can help you with the administrative processes. The responsibilities, which include locating all assets and debts, settling debts, locating heirs and dividing remaining assets among heirs, can seem overwhelming. We offer guidance to remove some of the stress of the process and allow you to grieve appropriately as you fulfill your duties. In most cases, we do not charge you until the estate is completed and funds are available.

If you are part of litigation in a probate case, we can represent you to ensure your interests are protected as much as possible. Sadly, not everyone respects the wishes of the deceased, and we can help you fight for the legacy your loved one wanted to leave.