When a person passes away, their property and assets are typically distributed to their beneficiaries through a probate court. The probate process can be complicated and drawn-out even when the deceased has an updated last will and testament – if they don’t, it could mean heartache and frustration for their families.
In cases where a person dies intestate – that is, without a valid will – a probate court appoints an administrator to manage the distribution of that person’s estate. Even if a person writes a will and designates beneficiaries, a probate court still needs to review and accept the document before the inheritance is distributed. If a will is improperly drafted, the probate court may end up distributing assets to beneficiaries whom the deceased never intended to include in their estate plans.
As many families discover upon the death of a loved one, disagreements often arise over the deceased person’s plans (or lack thereof). A distant relative may try to claim more than their fair share of the estate, or cousins may argue over who should get a prized family heirloom. In these cases, you’ll likely need to bring the issue before the probate court to determine the rightful beneficiary.
My Legal Case Coach has extensive experience handling estate planning and probate matters. If you’re dealing with a complex probate case, we can guide you and your family through the process so you can settle any inheritance issues and ensure everyone has their proper share of your loved one’s estate.
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