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Do you need help handling the estate of a deceased loved one? An experienced Burke County probate lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can provide the assistance you need. We can manage all the legal paperwork and probate your loved one’s estate easily. Your lawyer can prepare and file documents, locate and notify heirs, and even sell and distribute assets.
Our team looks forward to helping your family during this challenging time. Let us manage your probate for you so you can focus on your wellness and loved ones.
What You Need to Know About Probate
Probate is the process of transferring the legal title of property from a decedent’s estate to their beneficiaries. After a person passes away, the executor or an administrator must file paperwork in the county where the deceased lived. This paperwork includes lists of the decedent’s property and debts and a list of people who will inherit the property.
Once all the paperwork has been filed, and certain other conditions have been met, the probate court can issue an order to transfer the probate estate to the inheritors. A Burke County probate lawyer from our firm would represent your estate and needs during your probate.
The Summary Probate in North Carolina
As a North Carolina resident, you could have a summary probate, which is a simplified procedure. For example, you could qualify for one if you’re the decedent’s spouse and the only living beneficiary or heir.
To get a summary probate, you must file a petition with the court and provide the will, there is one, and any supporting evidence. A lawyer from our firm can help with this task. You can contact our firm to learn more about the summary probate process in Burke County.
A Person Could Avoid Probate in the First Place
In North Carolina, a person could avoid probate by transferring assets to a trust prior to death. A probate lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, could help you form the trust and make the transfers on your behalf.
In addition, a will does not allow a North Carolinian to avoid probate. Instead, a will determines who will receive the decedent’s assets once the court grants probate. Please reach out to our firm for further details on avoiding probate.
For a legal consultation with a probate lawyer serving Burke County, call 828.286.3866
The Probate Process Can Take Some Time
Every estate is different, meaning they take different lengths of time to manage. The period depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Our firm’s lawyers work with our clients (estate executors or administrators) to speed up the process and counter any objections to a will. So, you can feel confident that your probate will not take as long with the help of your lawyer.
Burke County Probate Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Closing an Estate
Before a court can close an estate, debts and taxes have to be paid, and the executor or representative must file a final accounting with the court. The final accounting must include evidence of transactions, like receipts and bank statements, per G.S. § 28A-21-2.
How an Attorney From Our Firm Can Help With a Probate
Our attorneys can help with the probate process by providing specific services that ease the estate’s transfer. Some services can benefit our clients in other ways as well.
For example, one of our probate lawyers can:
- Make the appropriate court filings for a client
- Identify and inventory property in the estate
- Prepare necessary lists for the court
- Notify creditors about money or other assets owed
- Help pay debts and taxes, so the client doesn’t have to
- Request an allowance for the decedent’s spouse or children
- Show in court that the deceased person’s will is valid
- Distribute the property according to the will or state law
There’s a lot one of our attorneys can do for you so you can focus on the grieving process and taking care of your loved ones. You won’t have to worry about anything relating to your probate; we’ll take care of it all for you.
We’ll Keep in Close Contact With You
We’ll make sure you have all the support we can provide throughout the probate process. For example, we’ll provide you with regular progress updates to help ease your mind about the process. As a result, we’ll make sure you’re just as confident about the outcome as we are.
Do I Need a Probate Lawyer to Help Me?
You are not required to have a lawyer. However, it’s often a good idea to get one. The probate process can be very complicated and time-consuming for individuals, especially if someone files an objection to a will. The advice and guidance of one of our Burke County probate lawyers can prove invaluable.
For instance, you may be subject to personal liability if you fail to account for some estate assets. However, one of our lawyers can help you account for all of them. Your probate attorney can protect you from liability while preserving your probate.
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Reach Out to Our Law Firm Today
Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today to learn more about how we can help probate your estate. We’ll tell you more about us and our capable attorneys, and we’ll invite you in for a consultation with a team member. During your consultation, we’ll help you decide what steps to take next.
After your consultation, if you decide to proceed with the guidance of one of our Burke County probate lawyers, you can expect your attorney to give you the attention and care we offer all our clients. Call us today at (828) 286-3866.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form