what questions to ask probate lawyer

What happens after a donor dies?

Soon after a donor’s death, beneficiaries, heirs, or even executors can mismanage the estate. A probate attorney should provide legal assistance to either stop, remove these persons, or get compensation for the wasted finances. 11.

Can a decedent's assets be frozen?

In the blink of an eye, a decedent’s assets can be heisted, pillaged, squandered, or frozen. Probate attorneys help to execute the deceased’s estate plan or intestacy laws so that this doesn’t happen.

What is the role of a probate attorney?

The role of any reputable probate attorney is to make the process of sorting through estate matters and filing the required paperwork as seamless and stress-free as possible for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.

What is the best way to end a battle?

This alternative dispute resolution is not always the best way to end a battle, but in some cases, mediation can make the most sense.

How long do you have to file a claim after a truck accident?

In some states there are different time periods in which you can file a claim. In Texas the statute of limitations allows for up to two years after your truck accident to file a claim.

When is mediation mandatory?

Some of these circumstances for mediation can become mandatory when there is child custody concerns. Typically, mediation allows for an introduction followed by statements from both parties, allowing each a chance to speak. From then the mediator will ask questions to help all understand the root of the dispute.

Can mediation be used to resolve a dispute?

Any claims that do not involve legal issues, like a neighborhood dispute, can also use mediation to end a conflict. Many mediation instances have often occurred during divorce and/ or child custody cases, family disputes, conflicts between business partners and neighbors, arguments with landlords and tenants.

Can you get compensation for a personal injury?

If you answer yes, you have a personal injury case. Many accidents take place every day that can lead to compensation. Some of those can include auto accidents, farming accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and even fires can cause injuries that may result in a case.

Do all assets need to go through probate?

Not all assets will need to go through probate. If the deceased person was married and almost everything was jointly owned, probate is not usually necessary with those assets. The same is true if the individual did some planning prior to their death to avoid probate.

What is probate after death?

If the person dies leaving behind a will, it is the process of “proving up” that will and transferring the person’s assets to his or her living heirs. This is the most common type of probate.

What is estate planning?

Estate planning is the process of making the necessary decisions to put a person’s (or a couple’s) affairs in order and to state your wishes on what should happen with your assets and property should you pass away or become incapacitated.

Is probate a will or testament?

For peace of mind as well as less expense, you should consider drafting a will (also called a last will and testament). The probate process without a will can be time-consuming (lasting years) and can be expensive as well as put emotional and financial demands on your family that can drive them apart.

Why is a trust revocable?

And it is revocable because it can be revoked or terminated by the Trustor – who created the trust. A Trustee manages the assets that the Trustor placed in the trust. Usually, the Trustor is the same person as the Trustee in the beginning, until the trust is handed over to another Trustee.

What is a full estate plan?

A full estate plan involves a list of specific instructions as to whomever you want to be in charge of administering your estate, how you want things managed, and how you want your assets distributed. The plan can include a Declaration of Trust (describing your assets like property, savings, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, etc.).

What is a beneficiary in a trust?

A Beneficiary is a recipient who will inherit the assets of the trust at some point. The Trustors, Trustees, and Beneficiaries are named n the trust document. Most often, a revocable living trust will allow beneficiaries to receive inheritances directly without going through the court process.

Can you probate a will?

But probate with a will is fairly straightforward because your wishes are clearly stated. You can establish a revocable living trust to avoid probate. Or you can have a “payable-on-death” arrangement for some accounts. Or you can have joint holdings (e.g. with your spouse).