The Roles and Duties of a Probate Lawyer
If you are the personal representative of a person’s estate, you may want to hire a probate lawyer. You are responsible for the administration of the estate, but you may not feel confident handling it alone. A lawyer can make sure you meet all the legal requirements and can protect you from potential disputes. This article will explain the roles and duties of a probate lawyer.You may want to check out lawyer for probate Chandler for more.
Duties of a probate lawyer
Probate lawyers assist clients with the distribution of assets after an individual passes away. This is accomplished through estate planning and the preparation of power of attorney documents and wills. Probate attorneys also assist with health care surrogate designations. Probate lawyers may also be involved in adversarial probate matters, also known as “will contests.” These cases often involve challenges to a trust’s procedures and include litigation, advocacy, and other legal services.
Probate attorneys also draft contracts during the probate process. An example might be a family that inherits a home and needs a contract to sell the property to two siblings. In another example, an estate of a business owner may require a contract for closing, selling, and transferring ownership. The estate attorney may need to contact absent beneficiaries to distribute the deceased’s portion.
Experience of a probate lawyer
Before you choose a probate lawyer, make sure that they have the experience you need. Ask people close to you for recommendations, and also consider using an online referral service. You want someone who understands the intricacies of the process and charges a reasonable rate. In addition, make sure that they are members of the local bar association.
A good probate lawyer will have experience in handling estates, and he should be able to help you avoid conflicts and confusion after a death. Depending on the size of the estate, you may be able to choose an attorney with a broad range of experience, but for a larger estate, you may want to look for an attorney with extensive experience and a focus on estate administration. Make sure you get references from past and present clients, as well as ask questions. Make sure you schedule an initial consultation to get an idea of whether you can trust a potential attorney.
Experienced probate attorneys often charge more than less experienced lawyers. The more hours they spend on your case, the higher their fees. However, some lawyers offer flat-rate fees.