When a loved one dies, it can leave those left behind struggling to make sense of life and trying to determine what the next steps are. It can be complicated to determine where to begin, especially if a loved one had a lot of assets upon their passing. Fortunately, a probate attorney in Maple Valley WA will be there to assist a family with the process and can ensure that they close out an estate following any state or federal laws that may govern the process.
Will Validation
One of the most critical services provided by an estate lawyer is the process of proving the validity of a will. There are strict regulations around what makes a will valid, and if any of these elements are missing it can cause all of the assets to be left in probate, which can take weeks or months to process. An attorney can prove the validity of the document and avoid issues with probate or individuals who may attempt to contest its contents.
Asset Compilation
Before an estate can be settled, all of the individual’s assets will need to be gathered so the total value of the estate can be determined. In addition to ensuring an even distribution of funds to beneficiaries, it also simplifies the taxation process that is associated with inheriting money or property. An attorney will conduct record searches to identify any property that may be part of an estate but not included in a will.
Debt and Creditor Payments
Before the beneficiaries of a will can inherit their money all of the debts a person had will need to be satisfied, including any fees or charges for their funeral services. A professional probate attorney in Maple Valley WA will be able to identify any and all creditors and make sure they are satisfied, so the beneficiaries won’t have to worry about forfeiting assets after they inherit them.
