After a loved one passes away, they leave behind a number of things: memories to cherish, property, financial assets, and debts. Those in charge of the estate, including the executor or administrator of a will, are responsible for distributing those assets to beneficiaries while paying off any outstanding creditors and debts. It can be a challenging position to be in. A probate attorneyis a specialist in handling these matters.
Probate Attorneys: Your Trusted Partners in Estate Resolution
While working through all of the steps of a deceased loved one’s estate may seem daunting, hiring the right lawyer can make it significantly easier. To help you find the best candidate to represent your interests, look for these important considerations during your attorney-hiring process.
1. How long have you been practicing?
It’s crucial to know how long your probate attorney has been in business. A lengthy practice history can be a good indicator of their level of expertise and the strength of their legal team.
2. What types of probate cases do you handle?
Probate is a complex area of law. It covers a wide range of scenarios, from straightforward estate distributions to more complicated litigation cases. If you’re looking for a New York City probate attorney, be sure that they have extensive experience with cases such as creditor claims, litigation, conservatorship and guardianship issues, and valuation and distribution of assets.
Asking for referrals from friends, family members, and professional contacts is a great way to find an experienced, reliable probate attorney. Chances are that they’ve dealt with a similar situation to your own, and they can offer you valuable insights into how well an attorney performs under pressure and in difficult circumstances.