Losing a beloved family member is hard enough, and for the person responsible for their leftover estate it can quickly become overwhelming.  An "estate" refers to all the money and property owned by a person at the time of death.

An estate with a combined value of over $150,000 will need to go through through a court-supervised process known as ​probate before assets can be distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. Examples of assets include:
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• Real property, such as a home or land
• Cash, bank accounts, and investments
• Valuables such as furniture, art or jewelry
• ​Cars or other vehicles​

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​Some assets, such as life insurance policies or bank accounts designated "payable on death", are usually automatically distributed to beneficiaries (and are not considered part of a probate). ​ Assets that are part of a trust are typically also excluded from the probate process.

During the probate process, a  court-appointed personal representative will be responsible for distributing leftover assets to the proper heirs or beneficiaries, as well as settling any remaining debts. ​ Our office represents personal representatives during the probate process from start to finish. 

We are also highly experienced in litigation that may arise from disputes in probate matters. We represent heirs, beneficiaries, or other interested parties who wish to ensure that a person's final wishes are carried out. 

If you are responsible for your loved one's estate, the individual died without a trust or will, or you are simply unsure what your next steps are, contact our office to arrange a free consultation.