A will, trust, and other estate planning vehicles can clearly direct what happens to your assets and how they are distributed after you pass away. But that doesn’t happen automatically. The legal process involved in effectuating your wishes and ensuring that things go according to plan is called probate. It is a court proceeding focused on identifying, gathering, and distributing your assets and addressing any of your outstanding liabilities after you die.
If you have a valid will, the probate process is still required in most cases to pass ownership of probate assets to your heirs and beneficiaries. For individuals who die without a will, probate is needed to legally convey assets under Washington’s laws of intestate succession.
Even with the best estate planning documents and harmonious relationships between beneficiaries, probate can still be a confusing and lengthy process for those unfamiliar with the law or who lack experience managing complex portfolios of assets. If your executor doesn’t know what he or she is doing or if disputes arise among family members, creditors, or others, the process can descend into a costly and frustrating ordeal.
Experienced Probate Guidance That Families and Executors Can Count On
Executors and families who have recently lost a loved one can turn to the Tukwila probate attorneys of Dimension Law Group to guide them through the probate process with efficiency, thoroughness, and finality. We assist with the preparation and filing of initial petitions and other necessary documents with the court and provide accessible and responsive counsel to those given the responsibility of managing a probate estate. Our extensive probate experience allows us to bring matters to a conclusion as quickly and cost-effectively as possible so family members can move forward with their lives
Our comprehensive probate representation includes:
- Gathering assets and information about beneficiaries
- Determining debts and other claims against the estate, and paying legitimate claims
- Calculating and paying all taxes
- Distributing the estate to beneficiaries under established directions
- Calculating and paying all taxes, and preparing estate tax returns
- Managing the estate’s assets
- Overseeing payment of funeral and related expenses
- Locating next of kin
- Working with retirement benefits administrators
Dimension Law Group: Tukwila Probate Attorneys
The last thing grieving families need after a loved one’s passing is the burden of navigating an unfamiliar and intimidating court process. At Dimension Law Group, our experienced estate probate attorneys take that weight off their shoulders, providing them with the compassionate and clear counsel that can help them through a difficult time.
If you or a loved one is looking for assistance with the administration of a probate estate or are involved in a probate dispute, we welcome the opportunity to be of service. Please call us at (206) 966-4623 or contact us online to arrange for a consultation.
Probate is the process of administering a deceased individual’s estate. This includes the appointment of an executor to finalize the descendant’s affairs, including the payment of creditors and disposition of assets. The executor or Personal Representative of an Estate is given many responsibilities under the law in administering an estate. Our firm will help you in navigating these duties and help ensure that the probate process is taken care for in a timely and smooth fashion.
Common Questions
Do I need to open a Probate?
Some estates do not require probate in Washington State. Some estates under $100k in value may qualify for a different process. Additionally, estate plans that include a Living Trust or Community Property Agreement may qualify for an avoidance of probate all together. Please call us for a review of your situation.
What Services Are Included?
We will counsel the Personal Representative on the probate process and explain their duties and how to achieve them. We will navigate the court system for you and prepare and file all necessary documents to open, progress, and close the probate. We will assist in notifying creditors and beneficiaries of the estate and counsel you in taking the correct steps in dispersing estate assets.
Fees?
Our probate services are billed on an hourly basis. Please contact us to discuss the general costs of Probate.