If the deceased person did not establish a trust, their will would be to go through the probate process before the estate can be closed and the property distributed to the beneficiaries. Probate can be complex and time-consuming. One of our attorneys can help you navigate the process, including any challenges that may arise.
Probate begins when the will is located and filed with the court. You would need to give interested parties, including beneficiaries and creditors, notice that the probate process is beginning. The initial filing would also seek the appointment of a personal representative, which would be the person who is designated in the will.
Interested parties may challenge the validity of the will. Their challenge would be heard at the outset of the process. Will contests are expensive and contentious, and they should be avoided if possible.
Once the process has begun, the personal representative would begin to inventory and collect the estate’s property. Creditors would file claims for payment, which the personal representative would decide to pay from the assets of the estate. Once the debts are paid, the personal representative would pay any final taxes that the estate owes.
Then, the personal representative would sell the property of the estate and collect the proceeds. The personal representative would petition the court to be allowed to distribute the remaining property and assets of the estate to the beneficiaries. If they receive permission, they would be able to close the estate and end the probate process.
Contact a Lynwood Estate Planning Attorney Today
The attorneys at Bountiful Law can assist your family with estate planning matters and the probate process. We can make life easier for your family. To get the legal help you need, you can send us a message online or call us today at 425.517.1653.
