Have you recently been named executor of an estate and not sure where to begin? Have you recently lost someone close to you and now need some help figuring out what to do with their affairs? Are you the heir of an estate and don’t feel like your interests are being represented fairly? Well, you’ve come to the right place because we can help!

The probate process can be difficult and you need an attorney who has the expertise of handling all aspects of the probate process to guide you through it. Whether you are dealing with a large multimillion dollar estate or simply deciding whether or not probate is even necessary, The Lynch Law Firm can help you make decisions in your best interest, and in the best interest of the deceased person whose legacy you’re trying to protect.

Have you been named executor? Call us to see how we can help, or begin the probate process on your own by doing the following:

Determine if the deceased had a will at the time of his/her death. To find out, ask close family or friends or determine whether the deceased had a safe or safety deposit box where he/she might have kept important documents.

Determine who the potential heirs of the deceased may be including the deceased’s spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, charties, etc. Obtain the full names, addresses and other contact information for each.

Determine what assets the deceased may have owned at his/her death including his/her home, other real property, bank and investment accounts, insurance policies, and any closely held business interests. Collect any legal documents such as deeds, beneficiary statements or business agreements associated with any of these assets the deceased may have owned.

Make a list of debts of the deceased including any mortgage, outstanding line of credit, credit card bills, utility bills, etc. Oftentimes, the best way to determine creditors of the deceased is by having the Executor or Administrator of an estate collect the mail of the deceased and check for invoices and bills.

If you’ve made it through steps 1-4 on your own, you are well on your way to being prepared for the probate process. Now, call us and we’ll guide you the rest of the way. If not, still give us a call and we’ll help you pull everything together so we can begin.

Are you an heir of an estate whose interests aren’t being protected?

While the majority of executors and attorneys take their responsibilities to the deceased seriously, there are times when those responsibilities can be confusing. This can particularly be a problem when it’s uncertain as to whether the deceased left a will, a will is contested, a child or a spouse is left out a will, or an heir has simply lost touch with family.

The Lynch Law Firm focuses on the planning process as well as the probate process, so we know what courts consider important when determining whether a testamentary document (such as a will or living trust) is genuine, and we know how to discern the intent of the testamentary document. We also know the rights of heirs when no testamentary document exists or when the will or trust doesn’t follow state law, such as leaving a spouse out of a will.

Because our firm understands the numerous problems and potential issues that can exist when an estate plan has not been prepared properly, we can help you determine whether your claim against an estate is valid and worth pursuing.

Call us or send us a message today, and we’ll be happy to give your case a free evaluation.