Probate and Estates

Sadly we lose our loved ones and no one is ever really prepared for the grief that follows. For everyone that has lost a family member or close friend, I am very sorry for your loss and I hope you find that one memory that consoles you. 

When we lose a loved one it is chaotic. What about funeral arrangements? Is there a will? Where to start?

I have handled estates of all kinds and my experience is that every family is different, some are challenging. That is okay. It will be okay. 

If your loved one had a will it may need to be presented to a court for "probate" which means the will is proven to be the decedent's very last wish and instruction. Wills can be challenged on grounds such as duress or lack of capacity, but such challenges are rarely successful because of the proof required to overcome the decedent's last words. 

If your loved one did not have a will, that is okay too. The person died "intestate" and it may be necessary to open an intestate estate, where an administrator may be appointed to wrap up the decedent's financial obligations and distribute the decedent's property among the surviving heirs. This can be technical and difficult and the law provides specific instructions on how to proceed. 

Call me to answer your questions about navigating the complicated laws and procedure, during these unsettling times.