When a person dies suddenly, family members are left to deal with all their unresolved issues. Some of them are easy to handle. Others require the skill of an experienced Probate Lawyer. Ideally, the deceased person will have a will to guide family members as to what they would like to happen to their belongings and their minor children after their death. Unfortunately, in most cases of sudden deaths among younger people, there is no will. Consulting with an attorney shortly after the death is important to ensure the probate is handled correctly.
Most people accumulate debts and have various monthly expenses that will need to be addressed following their death. A Probate Lawyer may be of assistance when it comes to disconnecting utilities, settling credit card debts, closing bank accounts and transferring the titles for automobiles. Family members will need the proper documentation to get these tasks handled appropriately. In cases where the deceased person didn’t have enough money or assets to settle all of their debts, the court may need to get involved to ensure all creditors receive their fair share of the estate.
When minor or disabled children are involved, the court will need to appoint a guardian for them. Parents who designated a guardian in their will often have their wishes recognized by the court. Absent a will, the court will appoint the most appropriate person to care for the needs of the children. Whenever possible, this will be a family member who has an existing relationship with the children. If the deceased parent had a trust, an attorney may administer it to ensure the children have everything they need.
Probate law can be complex when it involves a large estate. Although families are not required to have an attorney, consulting with an experienced lawyer could make the process easier on the loved ones of the deceased. Visit website to learn more about how an attorney might help a grieving family settle the estate of their lost loved one and transfer all the property to those the deceased person wanted to have them in a timely manner.
