Navigate Probate Issues With Our Mount Vernon Probate Lawyers
The death of one close to us is a difficult reality to face, and the formal probate process that follows doesn’t make things any easier. If you are named executor or administrator of an estate, you have the responsibility for transferring the decedent’s assets, filing the final income tax return, and settling any outstanding debts. In some cases, while the probate process can be simple to navigate in other cases there are numerous factors that can complicate the process.
If you face probate and have any questions, the Mount Vernon probate lawyers at Sheppard Law Offices are here to help. Contact us today for the legal counsel you need to make the probate process as simple as possible.
Our Attorneys Simplify the Probate Process
Our Mount Vernon probate attorneys can simplify the probate process when the estate’s value is less than a certain dollar amount. Where a full estate administration case can last 9 months or longer, smaller cases can be handled within a few months, even a few weeks. Knox County, Ohio allows for certain shorter probate processes to take place. Some of these shortened probate processes are called Relief from Administration and Summary Release from Administration.
The Probate Process
For those who have never had to deal with it before, the probate process can be confusing. We break down the process into individual steps. It is much easier to comprehend when you hire the trusted Mt. Vernon probate lawyers at Sheppard Law Offices because you can expect legal assistance on all of the following steps.
- Authenticate Last Will & Testament
- Appoint Executor & Name Beneficiaries
- Post Bond (if necessary)
- Locate Assets
- Assess Value of Assets
- Identify & Pay Debts
- File Taxes
- Distribute Assets
The executor or administrator is also responsible for paying income, property, and any other taxes that the estate owed at the time of death. Our probate lawyers are here to help prepare or appeal the estate’s taxes.
Is Probate Necessary?
In some cases, our probate lawyers can significantly simplify or bypass the probate process altogether. There are even timing strategies to consider as to when to file a probate case. This strategy usually involves lurking creditors of the decedent’s estate. There are some probate cases that proceed through a shortened probate process depending on the size and other factors of the estate.
Depending how the decedent owned real and personal property at his or her death will guide what actions need to be followed in order to handle the affairs of the decedent. For example, if there is joint ownership of property with rights of survivorship, then that property does not pass through probate court. That type of asset is handled outside the realm of probate. Of course, there would still need to be work performed in this case to properly transfer the property to the surviving joint owner. We call this “estate administration”.
The common thread that determines whether property must pass through probate is how the asset is titled at the time of the decedent’s death. If the decedent owned property in his or her individual name, then the property would need to be administered through probate. “Estate administration” is the handling of assets that do not pass through probate. Another example of estate administration is the disbursement of life insurance proceeds where a beneficiary is named on the policy and the name is someone other than the decedent. This type of asset does not pass through probate.
Mount Vernon Probate Lawyers
At Sheppard Law Offices, our Mount Vernon probate lawyers are here to help you get through this challenging and confusing time. We help many individuals in Mount Vernon, Fredericktown, Centerburg, Howard, Danville, Utica and surrounding Knox County cities address probate and estate administration issues. If you find yourself responsible for the handling of a probate or estate administration, we are here to help. Contact us today and we can discuss with you the best ways to navigate through the probate process.
Why do I need a probate attorney?
As part of the probate process, you have to prove that the deceased’s Will is legal and valid. Additionally, you are responsible for identifying, categorizing, and appraising the estate’s real and personal property. Other actions include paying any outstanding debts and taxes and distributing property. Sheppard Law Offices in Mt Vernon, OH can guide you through all of these steps to complete them seamlessly.
While probate laws are similar across states, the steps and timelines of them vary state by state. Our Mt Vernon probate lawyers can walk you through these timing issues so that you can open and close the probate case correctly. This includes promptly handling any creditor claims that come your way.
Our Mount Vernon Probate Services
At our Mount Vernon offices, we offer Full Estate Administration and Full Probate Services. In addition, our probate lawyers in Mt Vernon, Ohio have the knowledge to help you understand complex probate issues.
The type of probate service you need depends on the total value of the property in the estate.
Full Estate Administration Services
In addition full administration cases, there are shorter types of probate for smaller estates, including:
- Relief from Administration, and
- Summary Release from Administration.
Within a few weeks or days our probate lawyers in Mt Vernon, OH can help you open and close these shorter types of probate cases.
However, if you have a higher value estate case to deal with, the case length is longer – at least six to nine months or longer. Sheppard Law Offices provides probate services that include:
- opening the estate,
- inventorying the estate, and
- partial and final accounting for the estate.
Our Mt Vernon, OH probate lawyers can also help you navigate taxes and appropriately distribute assets.
Every probate situation is different. Our probate lawyers in Mount Vernon, Ohio can guide you through filing a full estate, a Relief from Administration, or a Summary Release from Administration. An estate planning attorney from our Ohio law office can help you find the best possible outcome.
Guardianship / Living Probate Services
Sheppard Law Offices also provides guardianship service, also referred to as “Living Probate”.
If you are caring for a loved one struggling to handle the mental load of the personal assistance or financial obligations, we can help you establish a living probate.
A guardian is one who acts on behalf of the ward. There are reporting requirements to the probate court when acting as the guardian of the estate.
- The guardian of the person acts in the best interest of the ward for medical and lifestyle decisions.
- The guardian has the authority to sign documents for the ward as the ward is declared incapacitated or incompetent by the probate court.
Contact Our Mount Vernon Probate Lawyers
Dealing with losing a loved one is challenging, so Sheppard Law Offices in Mt Vernon, OH is here to help. Our Mount Vernon probate lawyers can help you navigate the various legal probate proceedings and handle the unforeseen probate issues that may arise.
Let us help you lessen the emotional and financial obligations for you and your loved ones. Contact the team of probate lawyers at Sheppard Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you with your probate issues.
You don't have to go through probate alone.
Depending on your state probate laws, you must take several actions when a family member passes away. This includes taking care of their belongings and assets, which could come with a series of challenging probate issues. Unexpected probate issues can lead to unnecessary stress on top of the grief you are already experiencing with losing a loved one.
Make it easier on your loved ones by dealing with probate issues before they can profoundly affect your family with the help of an experienced probate lawyer. Sheppard Law Offices has a team of knowledgeable and dedicated probate lawyers in Mt Vernon, Ohio to guide you through the complex legal procedures regarding probate
We know every probate situation is different, so we are here to help you create a solution that benefits you and your loved ones. Contact our Mount Vernon probate lawyers today to schedule a free consultation so that you can achieve financial peace of mind.
About Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Buckeye State. Nestled among rolling hills and lush forests, this charming city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Visitors can explore the picturesque Black Fork of the Mohican River, hike and bike the Kokosing Gap Trail, and experience the local culture by visiting the Knox County Historical Society Museum and Research Library.
Mount Vernon is also home to the annual Knox County Fair, one of the largest and oldest fairs in Ohio, which offers a variety of entertainment, food, and activities for all ages. The city is also a great destination for those interested in manufacturing, with a rich history in iron and steel production.
As lovely as the place is, it’s not uncommon to encounter some problems with the probate process. Probate law is complicated, and a single mistake with anything, including court records, can jeopardize your claim. Our Mount Vernon estate planning attorney can help provide solutions to your troubles. Call our Ohio law firm today to schedule a consultation. Our contact information is available here.
