Specialized Solutions That Provide Guidance and Peace of Mind
The probate process encompasses all the necessary steps to organize and manage an individual's estate after passing away. It is a necessary procedure that facilitates the proper distribution of the deceased's assets but is often the cause of emotional distress for everyone involved. If you were close to the departed, it could be incredibly challenging to go through legal proceedings while grieving.
An estate probate attorney can help you settle an estate in the most efficient way possible.
Probate is necessary if a will is present; however, a fully funded trust will not go through this process which can make the estate settlement less complex and confidential. An estate planning attorney can guide the trustee in administering the trust to ensure the proceedings are completed promptly and accurately.
Wiles Law can help with estate settlement. We are a full-service tax, estate and trust planning law firm that helps individuals navigate the complexities of probate settlement. Reach out to us - our legal professionals are always ready to accommodate your concerns.
Four Best Practices of Estate Probate
Gain Answers to Complex Questions During a Trying Time
Have Good Intentions
As an executor, you serve as the representative of the estate. You are held legally responsible for safeguarding the deceased's home, savings and other assets until the probate process is complete and the estate has been distributed to the beneficiaries. Among the most crucial responsibilities of an executor is upholding the mandates defined in the will. If you are aware that you are to be named executor, discuss the will with the person who wrote it to clear up any confusing details.
File Paperwork Quickly
Many documents are involved during a probate estate settlement, which means it can be very easy to lose track of the required paperwork due to the amount that needs to be submitted to the court. It helps to act on time and file paperwork quickly to avoid potential setbacks. Beneficiaries expect to receive their money and inheritance promptly. Thus, it’s essential to immediately submit the original will and death certificate to the probate court to avoid delays.
Protect the Properties
Once you submit all the required paperwork to the court, you will receive a Certificate of Appointment that officially identifies you as the executor and grants you the authority to handle estate matters. This document also allows you to make decisions in protecting the departed's property. As the official executor of the will, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the valuables in the estate are safeguarded from potential theft or mishandling by family members. Moving high-value items to a secure location is a good idea to prevent properties from going missing.
Hire a Knowledgeable Probate Attorney
Whether you are an executor or a trustee, being involved in a probate estate settlement is challenging. Therefore, employing a lawyer to guide you through the process is highly beneficial. Probate consists of many legal and financial responsibilities. If you lack knowledge and experience, there is also the risk of missing critical payments or tax debts, thereby increasing financial liability for the Trustee or Personal Representative. Seek the guidance of a knowledgeable probate attorney in Charleston, SC, to ensure all obligations are addressed.
CHOOSE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
Tripp and his staff are absolutely OUTSTANDING! I will be forever grateful that he was referred to us to handle our family estate. He and his staff are extremely knowledgeable. More importantly, they are sincere, caring individuals that will have your best interests protected. - L.G
Tripp and his team have made the process of moving across the country and adjusting our California Trust to be legal in South Carolina. Helping protect our children's inheritance against creditors and themselves. - E.F
The staff at Wiles Law Firm is extremely courteous and kind. The estate planning process can be difficult at times. Wiles Law Firm is here to help you every step of the way! I highly recommend Wiles Law Firm for any of your estate planning needs. - S.M
How Wiles Law Can Help
Reliable Legal Advice for Hassle-Free Settlement Procedures
Probate estate settlement involves a lot of decisions that need to be made, which can be overwhelming to people who just went through the death of a loved one. But with estate probate services, you ensure that the assets and belongings of an individual are distributed according to their wishes. An attorney from Wiles Law can assist in the following areas:
Probate Settlement
Probate settlement is a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialized knowledge. A slight mistake can prolong the whole process and result in costly outcomes. For this reason, hiring a professional to assist with the probate settlement process is invaluable. Our lawyers guide the legal aspects of the proceedings, help ensure that all necessary documents are filed promptly and give advice on how to maximize the estate's value. Additionally, they can provide insight into the best estate planning strategies and help to ensure that the deceased's wishes are fulfilled.
Trust Administration
In comparison to probate settlement, trust administration is quicker and more streamlined. Assets placed in a trust by the grantor during their lifetime will not be subject to probate upon death. However, you will still need the help of a professional when administering a trust. It is easier to make educated decisions with the appropriate knowledge and guidance if you're a first-time trustee. At Wiles Law, we have a team of experienced trust administration attorneys ready to assist those struggling with the responsibilities of an executor and trustee. We strive to provide our clients with legal and financial acumen.