When should a Probate Lawyer in Gig Harbor Wa be hired? This is a question many ask when planning their estate or when they have been tasked with serving as the executor of another person’s will. The answer to this question is always yes, and the following are some of the many reasons why an attorney is needed.
Prevent Conflict Within the Family
Probate attorneys are accustomed to working with family members following the death of a loved one. They work to ensure tensions are kept to a minimum and explain the process for probate and what the law says about different issues. The executor allows the attorney to tackle these difficult areas so they cannot be blamed if the loved ones don’t like what they hear.
Avoid Claims Against the Estate
People may come out of the woodworks and claim the deceased owed them money. Family members might do the same if they feel like they have been slighted by their loved one. The attorney works to resolve these issues and ensure everyone receives what they are entitled to as outlined by the deceased and nothing more.
The Proper Filing of Documents
Court documents must be filed for the probate process to move forward. Any errors or omissions on these documents can be costly. For this reason, every executor should hire an attorney to assist with preparing and filing this paperwork to prevent issues.
Debt Resolution
Certain debts must be taken care of when a person passes away. This includes funeral expenses and income taxes among others. The attorney can be of help with resolving this debt while protecting the assets of the loved one as much as possible so they can be distributed to loved ones. Likewise, he or she ensures debts are not overpaid.
Contact a Probate Lawyer in Gig Harbor Wa to discuss the estate. Even if the attorney is not hired as he or she is not needed, the executor and family members can have peace of mind knowing the wishes of the deceased have been carried out to the best of their ability. When a family is grieving, this is often the most important reason to bring in this outside help.
