Are you dealing with a probate case in Corpus Christi and are not sure what to do? Is there someone trying to convince you that they can help you get through probate, but they’re asking you to pay them in advance? Do you believe that you need legal counsel to help you manage the estate of a loved one who has passed away, but you are hesitant to hire one until you are assured of their training and experience? Here are some explanations for why, if you find yourself in any of these circumstances, you require the assistance of a Corpus Christi probate lawyer.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of proving that someone has died and distributing their property according to the person’s will or, if there is no will, under state law.
Probates can be handled in court (called courts of probates) or without going through court. This is called non-court or administrative probate.
If an estate has more than $150,000 in value, it must go through court probate. If an estate has less than $150,000 in value and all heirs are related by blood or marriage to the deceased person (such as a spouse), then you can use non-court probating procedures. These procedures require filing with the court but don’t involve hearings.
A document filed with the county clerk gives notice that you are acting as personal representative of the estate, which is Latin for the person who represents. The paper also allows for requests for information about assets from those who may have them or know where they might be located. These documents should also request statements from people who owed money from any bank accounts, insurance policies, loans, stocks, and bonds within 30 days after death.
How to choose the right probate attorney
Choosing the right probate attorney can be difficult, but there are some things you should keep in mind.
1. Work Experience
Being chosen as an executor may put you in unfamiliar territory if you have no prior experience with probate law. You could be held legally accountable for mistakes committed during the estate distribution mistakes. You might need to locate probate attorneys who have a wealth of expertise and experience with matters involving estate preparation and distribution. The lawyer could be a trustworthy resource for all of your questions and worries.
2. Specialization
You might choose to hire a probate lawyer who is known to be an expert in estate law. Make sure the law company you choose has experience in probate law. A lawyer that regularly handles probate and estate planning concerns may be able to foresee potential legal problems, offering a firm road map for the fair distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries. A competent lawyer can also spot problems that are impacted by other areas of the law, such as property law.
3. Interaction
The process of probating is drawn-out and challenging. The probate law firm may need to hear from you frequently to provide updates on the estate’s administration. You might need to choose a lawyer who can get in touch with you through established methods of communication. By arranging a face-to-face meeting at their probate law office, you may find out more about the attorney. If they are a good fit for you, their reaction to your questions might help you decide.
4. Fee schedule
You would have to determine their legal costs and cost structure if you want to work with a specific probate law firm. Talk openly about the costs as well as how and when the lawyer will send you a bill. An hourly rate or a percentage of the estate’s asset value may be charged by probate law companies. Prior to the attorney starting to work on your case, demand a documented fee agreement.
5. Credibility
Asking for referrals from your social networks is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to find a probate law practice. You can conduct more study on a list of recommendations that your friends and relatives may supply. You can look further online to see what previous customers are saying about their services.
The benefits of having Corpus Christi probate attorney
If you are in charge of settling the estate of someone who has passed away, you may be wondering what to do and where to turn. This is why you require a probate lawyer. These experts can help you through the process because they have received specialised training in estate law. Hiring an experienced professional has a lot of benefits, including:
- Paying less out of your own pocket for legal fees
- Avoiding being tricked by dishonest or greedy people
- Eliminating the risk of making costly mistakes when dealing with complex legal matters
- Knowing that your loved one’s final wishes will be fulfilled without fail
- Finding closure after losing someone close
- A probate attorney can help ensure that all of the necessary steps are completed properly, which also reduces the potential for fraud.
- These lawyers will take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry about a thing! They will provide step-by-step guidance as well as handle any objections that may arise during the proceedings. And if it turns out there were any issues that were not addressed during the settlement process, they’ll go back and make sure those too are handled appropriately. The bottom line is this: A lawyer specializing in probate law can help save you time and money while ensuring your family member’s final wishes are honored.
Conclusion
Probate lawyers are essential for will preparation, estate planning, and allocating assets to beneficiaries. If you need help finding an experienced estate planning attorney in Corpus Christi, TX then contact The Law Office of Krieg Mitchel today at Corpus Christi Probate. They offer free consultations so you can find out if they are the best choice for your needs.
