Probate
One step at a time, after a loss
Settling an estate is paperwork on top of grief. I take the paperwork: the court filings, the notices, the inventory and the accounts. You keep what only you can do, like deciding about the house and answering your family.
An uncontested estate is one flat fee, quoted once I’ve read the papers. Filing fees, publication and appraisals are paid from the estate on top of it, and I list them before we begin. If a dispute turns up, I’ll tell you, and we’ll agree what happens next before any hourly work starts.
What you get
Filings, notices and accounts handled for you
A monthly call or note, whether or not there’s news
A written list of what you need to do and when
In order
Probate, in the order it happens
Step 1: We read the will
I read the will or trust and tell you who is named to do what, and what it means for you.
Step 2: The court opens the estate
I prepare and file what the court needs to begin, and tell you the date it’s set.
Step 3: Notices go out
Heirs and creditors are told, as required. I explain every letter before it goes.
Step 4: We list and value
We list what the estate owns and owes, and pay the bills and taxes that are due.
Step 5: Distribution and close
Gifts are paid out, the accounts are signed off, and the estate is closed. You get a written summary.
Probate, in plain answers
Do all estates go through probate?
No. Some property passes by title, beneficiary or a living trust. I’ll tell you in the first call which of your assets will, and which won’t.
How long does it take?
It depends on the court and on whether anyone objects. I’ll give you the steps in order and an honest range, and I’ll update it if it changes.
I’m the person named to handle it. What am I responsible for?
Gathering what’s owned and owed, paying what is due, keeping records and treating heirs fairly. I’ll walk you through each duty and tell you what not to do on your own.
What if family members disagree?
Tell me early. I represent the person who hires me, not the whole family, and I’ll say where I can help and where someone else should.
Not sure where to begin?
Tell me who has died and what you’ve found so far. I’ll tell you what comes first.
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