When a loved one passes away, the family members are often going through a very emotional and difficult time. Unfortunately, there is still work to be done to close the individual’s estate after they pass. In most cases, the individual who has passed has prepared a will. A will determines how the individual’s estate will be divided to beneficiaries that were named in the document. What some people don’t realize is that there is a lot more to closing an estate than simply handing out assets to beneficiaries and calling it a day. What actually needs to occur is known as the probate process. It would be beneficial for anyone going through the probate process for a loved one to retain the services of an experienced estate administration attorney.
Some of the factors that the estate administration attorney can help you with in the probate process include:
- Proving that the will is valid
- Identifying and assigning value to the property included in the will
- Preserving assets in the estate
- Making sure all outstanding debts and taxes are paid off
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries that were named in the will
- Resolving any disputes that arise regarding probate or asset distribution
It is important to note that if there was not a will, the individual’s assets will be distributed according to Connecticut’s laws of intestate succession. If you require experienced legal assistance during the difficult time after a loved one passes, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Marc N. Needelman to discuss your matter.