After losing a loved one, you and your family do not have to go through probate alone. While many people might be hesitant at first, hiring a probate attorney can make a significant difference in navigating the probate process – and preserving the assets of your loved one.
There are three primary ways a probate attorney can help.
They take things off your plate
Dealing with legal matters on your own, without the right knowledge, is likely the last thing you want to do after losing a loved one. There is barely time to grieve. If you are the named executor or if you are the person who will be filing a petition with the court to open a probate, you will have things to attend to. These may include planning a funeral or Celebration of Life, collecting information to prepare an obituary, contacting family members and friends and obtaining death certificates. The probate process involves meeting many deadlines. Hiring an attorney right from the start can help you manage the administrative aspect much more efficiently. An attorney can handle all of the legal matters.
Probate can get complicated
Even if your loved one had a will, the process of validating that will and administering all of the decedent’s assets can be complicated. Issues and disputes can arise with creditors or even family members. A probate attorney understands California laws and how the probate process works. Because of this knowledge, a probate attorney can help you navigate any complications effectively and reduce your overall stress.
You deserve support during the time after losing a loved one. Depending on the facts, a probate attorney may recommend that you file a petition immediately or take time to grieve and then come back to file the petition. This is pretty much fact-driven. A probate attorney allows you to focus on what is important and can provide both guidance and support through the often-stressful process.
Working with a lawyer allows you to focus on what is important
Above all, hiring an attorney familiar with probate lets you concentrate on the things that are most important to you. This could include your emotions as you grieve the loss of your loved one, your loved one’s memory and your family.
The aftermath of losing a loved one is never easy, no matter the circumstances. During this time, you should only have to focus on these most important things as you cope with this loss.