Probate Law

Probate of an estate through the court system can generally be avoided through proper advanced planning. Many individuals die without proper planning. During the probate of an estate, assets of a deceased person are inventoried and collected, creditors' claims and tax obligations are reviewed and paid, and the distribution of funds to spouses, children, other relatives, charities and trusts are made according to the deceased's pre-death plan (the will or trust) or by state law, if the person died without a will. The services we provide include:
 

• Working closely with our clients, demystifying each step of the probate process to inform and counsel them so they understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets
• Developing creative pre- and post-death strategies to avoid or minimize the expense of probate 
• Addressing external risks that can potentially endanger what is rightfully an individual’s inheritance.  These risks can arise with claims from creditors, challenges from relatives, and ever changing tax laws.