At Nealon, Nealon, and Click, we understand that losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. During this time, dealing with the complexities of the probate process can feel overwhelming. Our experienced probate attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through each step of the process, ensuring the estate of your loved one is administered properly, and that all legal requirements are met. Even if probate isn’t necessary, managing the administration of an estate after someone passes away often comes with challenges that need to be handled.
Estate Administration & Probate Process
Navigating the probate process can feel like a daunting task. Our team of probate attorneys is here to assist in every step of estate administration, ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are honored, and the estate is managed according to the law:
Petitioning for Probate:
We handle all necessary filings to appoint an executor or administrator to manage the estate and take care of the legal details on your behalf.
Small Estate Administration:
Every state has its own rules about what qualifies as a small estate, usually based on the total value of the decedent’s assets. If the estate meets the requirements, if may qualify for a simplified legal process known as a voluntary administration making it easier and less costly to settle a loved one’s affairs.
Non-Probate Estate Administration:
Not every estate needs to go through probate. In many cases, assets can be transferred to beneficiaries without involving the court. We help families navigate non-probate estate administration with care, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Executor & Administrator Support
Being named the executor of an estate is a responsibility that can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Our team supports you throughout the probate process:
- Guidance on Executor Duties: We provide clear direction on your legal duties, from gathering assets to paying debts and distributing property.
- Conflict Resolution: Disagreements among family members or creditors can be stressful. We offer solutions to help resolve conflicts and protect the estate’s interests.
Asset Inventory & Valuation
A crucial step in probate is identifying and valuing your loved one’s assets. We offer support in making sure this process is done thoroughly and accurately:
- Inventorying Assets: We assist in locating, identifying, and valuing all assets in the estate, from real estate to financial accounts.
- Asset Valuation: We work with experts to ensure the accurate valuation of valuable assets, such as real estate, artwork, or business interests.
Debt Settlement & Claims Management
Handling debts and creditor claims can be a complicated part of the probate process. Our attorneys ensure that all debts and claims against the estate are properly addressed:
- Settling Debts: We guide the executor in settling any debts the deceased owed, including creditor claims and estate taxes.
- Disputing Claims: If creditors make questionable claims, we provide legal strategies to dispute and resolve them effectively.
Asset Distribution
Once debts and taxes are settled, we help ensure the smooth distribution of assets to beneficiaries:
- Distributing Assets: We help ensure that assets are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or state law if there is no will, and that everything is handled fairly and according to the decedent’s intentions.
Trust Administration
If the decedent established a trust, our attorneys offer comprehensive support in managing and distributing trust assets:
- Trustee Guidance: We provide trustees with the knowledge and support they need to fulfill their legal obligations in managing and distributing the trust’s assets.
- Trust Funding & Distribution: Our team helps with transferring assets into the trust and ensuring they are distributed according to terms set forth by the trust.
Ancillary Probate
If your loved one owned property in multiple states, we assist with ancillary probate to ensure everything is managed appropriately
- Managing Multiple Jurisdictions: Our attorneys help you navigate the probate process in other states where the decedent’s property is located, ensuring all assets are properly administered.
