Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It is a notoriously complicated process that many have difficulty navigating. Yet, probate in estate planning is a key part of securing your legacy and ensuring your wealth is passed onto your loved ones in the manner you wish after you have passed on.

As is the case in many states, Oklahoma does not legally require you to hire a lawyer when going through the process of probate. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly wise to do so. In this article, Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC discusses why and how hiring a probate lawyer can pay dividends in securing your legacy.

Understanding the Role of a Probate Lawyer in Estate Planning

In the probate process, a deceased person’s estate is distributed under the supervision of a state court. Although not strictly necessary, having a probate attorney in your corner will ensure you navigate the process smoothly and avoid mistakes you’d likely otherwise make.

Facilitating The Process

The duties of executors in probate are many and involved. A lawyer lightens the burden for you if you are an executor, helping to facilitate and streamline the entire process. Some of the duties you can expect as an executor include:

• Compiling a comprehensive inventory of the estate’s assets;
• Paying off debts;
• Validating the deceased’s will;
• Distributing the remnants of the estate to its beneficiaries.

These are just some of the many required duties, and each has its own set of rules and deadlines you would need to follow. A lawyer has years of experience, which translates to an expeditious case since they will avoid mistakes and not need to research relevant matters you would since you aren’t knowledgeable of the law.

Resolving Disputes

Whether because of a tense emotional state or a disagreement over the amount of debt owed, disputes between family members or creditors and an estate frequently happen. A lawyer can serve as a mediator if these sorts of disputes arise, acting as an impartial, objective third party that plays a key role in resolving the issue at hand.

And More