Probate lawyers in Guilford County are well-aware of the hassles and headaches that families face when a loved one’s estate goes into probate. The process can drag out, eating up not just time but also resources that would have otherwise gone to beneficiaries. Appointed executors find themselves with burdensome responsibilities that can compound their grief. In order to navigate the process as quickly and smoothly as possible, probate lawyers recommend you keep the following in mind:
Probate Tip #1: Hire an Experienced Probate Attorney in Guilford County
It may be tempting to navigate probate alone, but a good probate lawyer will be able to make the entire process more efficient. The attorney’s expertise will guide you steadily in the right direction and keep you on track for closing probate as quickly as possible.
Probate Tip #2: Notify Creditors Quickly
Part of the probate process is making creditors aware of the death, and the deadline for making claims against the estate. Until that deadline passes, creditors can come looking for payment and significantly slow down the process. Instead, it’s better line everything up as quickly as possible to avoid delays and keep moving.
Probate Tip #3: Get an Appraised Inventory
As the executor works with the estate, he or she should be creating an inventory of its assets and getting appraisals when appropriate, whether on personal effects, real estate, or other assets. The courts may need to be involved with the process, so discuss it with your Guilford County probate lawyer.
Probate Tip #4: Don’t Miss Deadlines
There are specific deadlines set for when documents need to be filed. Missing these deadlines can lead to the need for more court involvement, resulting in extra time, hassle and more money spent.
Probate Tip #5: Keep Accurate Records
The creditor claim period can vary from state to state, which another excellent reason to work with local probate lawyers in Guilford County. After that claim period ends, the executor can file the final report and accounting. Having these numbers ready to go and double checking them for accuracy helps get the estate closed faster.
There’s no doubt that seeing an estate through probate offers some stress and potential confusion. Good probate lawyers in Guilford County will minimize this stress and, utilizing these simple probate tips, can get the estate and all those connected to it through the process that much faster. To speak with our office for probate assistance, simply call our Greensboro office at (336) 378-1122 to set up a consultation.
