Estates in Probate

Will Contests

Probate courts oversee the administration of property after death, guardianships of minors, and conservatorships of incapacitated adults. Our firm handles a wide array of probate matters, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss any probate issues or questions you may have. If you are unsure whether you have a probate issue, read the information below and, if you are still unsure, do not hesitate to contact us.

Estates in Probate

When someone dies, either with or without leaving a will, there are often estate matters that need to be handled, such as changing title to property and completing tax forms. Probate is when the court supervises the processes that transfer legal title of property from the estate of the person who has died (the "decedent") to his or her beneficiaries. Usually, someone will have to fill out court forms and appear in court to: prove that the will is valid; appoint a legal representative with authority to act on behalf of the decedent; identify and inventory the decedent's property and have it appraised; pay debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining property.

Transferring property when someone dies can be complicated. If someone close to you has recently died, we strongly encourage you to have us handle the outstanding legal matters on your behalf, so that you can focus on taking care of your family during its time of loss.

Will Contests

Will contests are challenges to the way property is distributed under a will. Also, if someone who owes you money has died recently, you may have to file a creditor's claim in Probate Court in order to collect your money from the estate. There are very strict time limits on doing this, so you should contact a probate attorney right away if you have a claim against a decedent's estate.