At Nelson Elder Care Law, we understand how hard it can be to deal with the loss of a loved one. When we assist with Estate Administration in Woodstock, we handle the legal aspects as well as help with family interactions. Estate Administration involves distributing a person’s property after their passing, but there are many legal hoops to jump through before you can receive your inheritance.
Though it may be tempting to handle Estate Administration on your own, please reach out to our team to discuss your situation first. Our compassionate attorneys are here to help the process go smoothly and answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel confident that your loved one’s wishes are being met and help to alleviate any stress or worry that your family may be having.
Estate Administration may involve going through Probate, which is the process of making sure a Will is valid and that the proper beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Often, these proceedings do not require the family to come into court. Our attorneys will handle the legal side of these tasks and ensure the proper distribution of your loved one’s property. We can also work with you and your family in advance to avoid the probate process altogether.
In some cases, a person may leave assets without designating who should receive them or where they should go. This is called unclaimed property. When this happens, a lawyer can reach out to an heir to determine where it should go. Alternatively, the state can hold onto the property for a set period of time on behalf of the heir.
To avoid unclaimed property and confusion during the Probate process, it is crucial to appoint a personal representative, or executor, when creating an Estate Plan. This person will have control over all your assets once you pass away, not before, so it is important to choose someone who is good with money and can handle the potential stress of the Estate Administration process. If you do not select an executor before your passing, the courts may assign one for you.
The personal representative has many duties in administering an Estate, which could take anywhere from six months to a year. These tasks include:
Determining an Estate Administrator is an important decision. You should choose a trustworthy person with good conflict resolution and communication skills. If you are deciding on an Estate Administrator, our supportive local attorneys can offer useful guidance.
Choosing your personal representative, or being chosen for this role, can be stressful. This important decision comes with significant responsibility, and administering an Estate often requires many legal steps. Fortunately, our lawyers can help you limit personal liability and avoid crucial mistakes.
At Nelson Elder Care Law, our attorneys are experienced in making the Estate Administration process as easy and efficient as possible. To avoid conflict and ensure that everyone receives their proper inheritance, reach out to our skilled legal team today. During our free initial consultations, one of our attorneys will explain the ins and outs of Estate Administration in Woodstock and help you through the entire process.
