My name is Danielle Diaz. One of the things I've learned in life, both inside and outside the courtroom, is that it is important to not see others as your enemy. Even though you may see the prosecutor as your enemy, he or she is just trying to do a job. It may be possible that you can get a prosecutor or the judge to be sympathetic and get him or her on your side. In order to accomplish this, you need to understand the law. I feel that most individuals do not understand the law, which is why I was motivated to create this blog.
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Not Just About Making Out A Will: What To Know About The Duties Of An Estate Lawyer
Douglas Thompson
It's easy to just assume that an estate lawyer's job stops once a will is created and filed in probate court. You might be surprised at the wide range of duties most estate lawyers are expected to perform. To find out just how valuable your estate lawyer can be, read on.
Guiding Things Along in Probate Court
Once the will is filed with your county probate court, the lawyer stands ready to cope with any issue that arises. The estate lawyer serves as the go-between for the court, the family of the deceased, and the personal representative. For example, it is through the estate lawyer that loves ones will learn of the need to have any real estate professionally appraised in a timely manner.
Coping With Intestate Estates
Even if your loved one didn't leave a will, it's still important to have an estate lawyer on your side. Intestate estates are subject to certain property and debt guidelines. Without the help of an estate lawyer, the county probate judge can make decisions about the estate themselves.
Helping the Personal Representative
The duties of this individual, also known as an executor, are many but those charged with this job don't have to go it alone. The estate lawyer for the deceased will advise the personal representative on what is expected of them throughout probate. Among a few important duties the personal representative performs are an estate inventory, paying the bills of the estate, and keeping estate property safe and secure.
Contesting the Will
Not all estate lawyers represent the deceased and their estate. If you disagree with any aspect of the will, you will need to hire a lawyer to represent your interests in probate. You cannot use the same lawyer as that of the estate, however.
Other Probate Legal Duties
Take a look at some other common estate lawyer duties:
- Assisting in the administration of a trust
- Dealing with the guardianship of minor children after the death of a parent
- Helping with life insurance issues, deeds, and titles
- Advising on the way bank accounts are handled during probate
- Helping with inheritance taxes and dealing with the IRS for taxes owed by the estate
- Overseeing the sales of real estate
- Advising on the estate bills that must be paid at once, the bills that should be paid if possible, and the bills that never have to be paid at all
An estate lawyer is there to help from the creation of a will to the closing of probate. Speak to a local law firm to find out more.
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