Probate Lawyers in Trenton, NJ, Lifting the Weight Off Our Clients’ Shoulders
Estate planning and probate lawyers in Trenton, NJ, can provide much-needed relief to those dealing with the difficult process of estate planning and resolving matters of inheritance. These attorneys practice a wide range of services that help their clients feel secure about their future and how their assets will be handled after they pass away.
At Bratton Law Group, we collaborate to provide comprehensive legal aid for our clients. Our team of experienced lawyers is highly knowledgeable in the areas of estate planning, probate proceedings, wills and trusts, asset protection strategies, elder law, tax planning, and other related topics. We understand that handling a loved one’s affairs in estate administration after they have died is both an emotional and time-consuming process. It is for this reason that we make sure our clients are taken care of and protected. We take the time to thoroughly understand each case before providing advice.
Our lawyers will explain everything clearly and answer any questions you have so they can make informed decisions on how best to proceed. Furthermore, if our clients need help managing their fiduciary duty, creditor claims, guardianship, real property, or other personal matters during this trying time, we offer invaluable guidance throughout the entire process.
We view ourselves more like family than just another service provider. That’s why we treat each client as if he or she were part of our extended family network. Our mission is to put your mind at ease by providing skilled counsel you can trust during probate administration. Call 609 362 5692 to begin joining our team. We’ll help lift the legal weight off your shoulders.
What is Probate?
For anyone with property or assets that they want to protect, estate planning becomes essential. Probate is the legal process used to settle an estate after a person dies, determining who will receive the decedent’s property and assets. Only matters that are uncontested end up in the surrogate’s court.
Probate lawyers can help individuals and businesses plan by drafting wills and other estate-planning documents while they are still alive. These documents can help determine who will get which parts of the estate, how those items will be divided up, and when they will be distributed among beneficiaries. In addition, these documents also specify how any disputes over assets should be handled to avoid probate issues.
While drawing up legal documents to ensure that the estate is distributed according to the wishes of the testator, probate attorneys can also advise clients on strategies for minimizing taxes and reducing other types of liabilities for a descendent or surviving spouse. They can also guide on creating trusts to protect certain assets from being subject to administration proceedings.
When someone has passed away, probate lawyers represent their clients in court proceedings involving their estates. This includes finding out all relevant information about the decedent’s debts and distributing the remaining property or assets among beneficiaries per instructions laid out in a valid will or trust agreement. They may also help resolve family conflicts that occur during this process, as well as offer guidance when claiming life insurance policies.
What Complications Occur During Probate?
When it comes to probating a will, several issues can arise, making the process difficult and stressful. Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, and it includes collecting assets, paying debts or taxes owed by the estate, and distributing assets according to the will. For the court to grant probate, certain documents must be filed with the court.
Estate planning lawyers are trained in probate law and have an understanding of the technical language used in wills and other legal documents. They serve as an important resource in helping people understand their rights under state laws governing wills and estate administration. If there is a dispute between family members regarding the distribution of assets from an estate, estate planning lawyers can help resolve these issues quickly.
Many executors find themselves overwhelmed with all of the responsibilities associated with managing an estate. An experienced lawyer can help guide executors through each step of the process and provide assistance in managing potential conflicts between beneficiaries or creditors. Having experienced legal representation is beneficial for anyone going through the often complicated process of probate.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Probate Lawyer?
Probate lawyers are responsible for overseeing the probate process. Ensuring that the wishes of a deceased individual are respected and followed is a main priority. In this capacity, they will review all relevant documents related to the estate, such as wills, trusts, deeds, financial accounts, and other assets.
They determine the validity of any existing debts or claims against the estate, handle all necessary court filings, arrange for payment of taxes and other expenses, represent executors or beneficiaries in litigation proceedings, communicate with family members to reach agreements over asset distributions or inheritances, manage property transfers after distributing assets to heirs according to state laws, monitor investments made from an estate’s funds, and handle any appeals that may be filed.
When Should I Contact a Probate Attorney?
When you are dealing with the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know when is the best time to contact a probate attorney. A probate lawyer helps during estate planning and can help you handle all the legal issues associated with settling an estate. Here are some scenarios when it might make sense to consult a probate lawyer:
- Your loved one left behind a will
- If your loved one did not leave behind any written instructions about how their assets should be distributed
- Someone has been designated to be the executor of an estate
- If you need assistance with filing legal documents
- Dealing with disputes with other heirs or beneficiaries over the distribution of assets
- You need help with tax issues related to the estate
Probate attorneys at Bratton Law Group are aces with estate law and can provide invaluable assistance during this difficult time. An experienced probate lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your loved one’s estate is distributed according to their wishes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help at 609 362 5692.