Probate
A parent has died, and the paperwork is yours now
You were named executor, or you're simply the one everyone is looking at. We'll take the court side off your plate and tell you, step by step, what's yours to do.
Probate is the court process that settles a person's debts and passes on what they owned. Sometimes it's short, sometimes there's a house to sell and siblings who see it differently. Delia handles most of our probate work. She files with the court, sends the notices, answers the creditors and keeps you posted by phone or email, so you can grieve without a stack of forms in the way.
What we take care of
Opening the estate
Filing the will and the petition, and getting your authority as executor.
Notices and creditors
Telling the people the law requires, and handling claims against the estate.
The house and accounts
Selling, transferring or retitling property, and closing accounts.
Closing it out
Final accounting, distribution to the family, and closing the estate.
Questions people ask about probate
Do we have to go through probate?
Not always. If everything passed by beneficiary designation, joint ownership or a trust, there may be little or nothing to probate. We'll look at what your parent owned and tell you.
How long does it take?
A simple estate can close in several months. A house to sell, a missing heir or a dispute adds time. We'll give you an honest estimate once we've seen the will and the assets.
Can I be executor if I live out of state?
Often, yes. Many of our executors live elsewhere, and we handle most things by phone, email and mail.
Call us before you sign anything
Banks, buyers and relatives may ask you to sign things early. A short call with us first can save a lot of trouble.