Avoiding Probate Disputes: Tips from Experienced Probate Attorneys
Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC | Probate Dispute Attorney Serving Edmond, OK
The probate process can be a very overwhelming time. Coming to terms with your loved one’s death while simultaneously trying to organize their estate can be very stressful. With over 20 years of experience in estate planning and probate, Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC, can give you the very support you need.
Having taught real estate planning and probate law in higher education, as well as to the general public, Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC provides the knowledge and compassion needed during a difficult time. We have served the Edmond, OK, area for over 20 years and are ready to consult with you regarding your case. Call us at (405) 754-4166 so we can get started!
Why Should I Consult A Probate Litigation Attorney?
You may have many questions about probate law and your loved one’s estate. Taking the correct steps is crucial in finding the right remedy for you and your family. Often, these correct steps help avoid disputes arising from probate. Any time a person dies with a will, the probate process validates the deceased’s last will. Once the will’s validity is proven, the court will appoint a personal representative of the will. The person designated as the personal representative has often already been named in the will by the deceased.
This personal representative ensures that all necessary paperwork, documents, forms, and tasks associated with the deceased’s estate are communicated to the probate court and carried out successfully. Having a specialized probate litigation attorney helps to keep things moving and decreases the burden of stress for the personal representative. Many people choose to work with a probate litigation attorney when they are chosen as the personal representative. This ensures that they are carrying out the tasks of the position dutifully.
Tasks the personal representative must complete include:
- Notifying any creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries of the deceased person’s estate
- Paying off debts owed by the deceased person
- Inventory creation of the deceased person’s estate
- Management and selling property of the deceased person’s estate
- Tax-related issues regarding the deceased person’s estate
- Fulfilling probate court requests
More information is available at our website https://www.probate.expert/, or if you have more specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at (405) 754-4166 for a consultation.
At any of these stages, disputes may arise. Say, for instance, a creditor is owed money. While the estate must pay creditors first before any assets can be distributed, amongst the beneficiaries, the beneficiaries may disagree on which of them will receive their dividend next. Furthermore, interested parties may have differing views on their dividend based on their interpretation of the will.
How Do I Avoid Probate Disputes?
Probate court can be costly and very lengthy. Feuds and legal battles typically ensue when the parties involved can’t find common ground to settle the matter. In that case, it is contested in court. In probate court, probate dispute attorneys representing each side seek to interpret the intent of the deceased.
The best way to avoid trials during probate court is to work things out between the interested parties without going to court. Although this is sometimes unavoidable, it is best to settle differences without each side arguing in court. The first step is setting up a consultation with a seasoned and knowledgeable probate lawyer, like Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC.
Getting a good explanation of the probate process and having someone with this kind of expertise helping to fulfill the personal representative’s responsibilities can give families a firm foundation when disagreements arise. Having an intermediary helping to go through the steps of probate and communicate efficiently and effectively with the probate court can make all the difference in diffusing conflicts that can often arise out of fear and confusion.
If a disagreement escalates to the point of contesting a will and a case ends up in probate court, a compassionate attorney who focuses on probate litigation will be needed to argue the case on your behalf. During what is already a tough time, having the right legal team can help lessen the overwhelming nature of the legal process.
Oklahoma Estate Attorneys, PLLC in Edmond, OK, is prepared to take your case and honor your loved one’s wishes. Visit us today at https://www.probate.expert/ or schedule a consultation by calling our office at (405) 754-4166. We’re ready to assist you with your estate planning and probate needs.