Why Hire a Probate Attorney and When Should You Do It?

It’s not easy losing a loved one. Aside from the heartache and grief, you also have to deal with the financial responsibilities that can arise from their passing. While you may be able to handle most of the probate legal matters on your own, you will probably need to hire a probate attorney for some of the more complicated aspects of this matter. In this article, we look at why a probate attorney is necessary and when would be the best time to hire one.

Why Hire a Probate Lawyer?

Although it may be tempting to handle your loved one’s estate on your own, this can be quite difficult to do. Probate paperwork, government forms, and legal documents can be complicated and confusing, especially when you are grieving.

You don’t necessarily need a probate attorney to execute your loved one’s will or administer their estate. To a certain degree, you should be able to handle this matter on your own. However, there are some cases in which you might need to hire a probate attorney.

An experienced probate attorney can help you navigate the legal system and get your loved ones’ affairs in order quickly. If you have dependents or minor children, you will want to ensure that their futures are secure and that they are taken care of. A probate attorney can ensure that your children or other dependents are taken care of and help you set up the proper guardianship. They can also make sure that the sale of your loved one’s assets is handled properly and that their assets are liquidated in a timely manner.

When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?

If you are dealing with a family member’s death and your loved one has minor children or a spouse, you will need to make sure that the guardianship of your loved one’s children is handled correctly. You will also want to ensure that your loved one’s estate is administered properly and that your dependents are taken care of.

There are other situations in which you may want to hire a probate attorney. For example:

• If a will needs to be contested
• If a trust has been set up
• If a trust needs to be drafted
• If you are not familiar with the probate process
• If you need to file a complaint against a trust
• If you need to challenge a trust
• If you need to determine who has the legal authority to act on behalf of your loved one
• If you need to secure guardianship for minor children
• If you need to get a guardianship approved
• If you are concerned about the validity of a will
• If you are concerned about a will not being properly drafted
• If you believe that a will is being contested for the wrong reasons

The sooner you talk with a probate attorney, the more likely you will be to get your loved one’s affairs in order quickly and properly. If you wait too long, it may be difficult to gather your loved ones’ estate documents and probate paperwork. Since time is of the essence, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to speak with an attorney.

Probate Attorneys can be a Lifesaver

Even if you have experience dealing with probate legal matters, it can be difficult to handle these matters alone. Probate paperwork can be overwhelming, especially if you are grieving. You don’t want to get bogged down with paperwork, especially if you are trying to deal with the emotional aspects of your loved one’s passing.

Conclusion

An experienced probate attorney can help you get your loved one’s affairs in order quickly and efficiently. They can also make sure that your loved one’s assets are liquidated quickly and that your dependents are taken care of. Don’t put off the probate process. Contact an experienced probate attorney today.

Miltons Estates Law is a reputable firm specializing in Ontario wills and estate plans and dealing with probate matters. They offer a range of services to help you with your estate planning, probate and administration matters. If you’re suddenly in need of an Ottawa probate lawyer to help you settle your loved one’s estate, Milton’s Estates Law is a great place to start. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.