Probate Law Firm Helping Guide You After the Death of a Loved One

For many families grieving after the loss of a loved one, the probate process can be one of the most nebulous and challenging parts of managing the deceased’s assets. A lack of understanding can lead to an extended probate, leaving the assets you’re owed tied up for much longer than necessary. That’s why most courts and attorneys will suggest hiring a probate law firm with experienced professionals like the ones at Crow Estate Planning & Probate to guide you through the process.

Our team’s focus encompasses probate legal services and all aspects surrounding estate planning for adults of every age. We offer years of experience in the Tennessee and Kentucky court systems to each of our clients and do our best to ensure the deceased’s wishes are honored as quickly as possible.

Probate Attorneys in Tennessee & Kentucky

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What Is Probate?

When someone dies and leaves behind assets and an estate in their name, their property must go through a court-appointed process known as probate. In probate, a judge validates the deceased person’s will and appoints an executor. If there is no will, the Court would appoint an administrator. The Court then empowers the personal representative to identify assets, pay off debts, and settle the affairs of the estate. This process can take half a year or more to complete. At the end of the probate process, the assets are then distributed according to will or the heirs if no will.

Note that probate is usually only necessary when the estate or assets in question are solely in the deceased person’s name. Even if some of their assets have to go through probate, some things may be excluded, such as:

Jointly owned property, including bank accounts
Assets with a beneficiary designation, such as transferable on death (TOD) or payable on death (POD)

The Estate Probate Process

The average probate case can take between six to nine months. Much of that time is dedicated to getting the deceased’s affairs in order and carrying out payments and filings. Before the judge can distribute assets and dismiss the case, they will have to:

Validate the will and appoint and executor or administrator if not previously completed
Identify and gather assets
Ensure outstanding debts and taxes are filed and paid
Determine asset distribution for beneficiaries or heirs

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Do You Need a Probate Law Firm?

While there is no legal requirement to have an attorney during probate, it is highly recommended. Probate cases often involve a significant amount of paperwork and administration services that many people do not want to deal with. Furthermore, complicated cases can go on for well over a year, and a seasoned probate attorney can keep track of the process and ensure you’re doing everything you can to keep it moving forward.

The time following a loved one’s death can already be stressful and overwhelming, and our estate probate lawyers want to do everything we can to ease your burden. Our law firm’s probate legal services prepare us to assist our clients in: