Our Newark, OH Probate Lawyers Can Help You Navigate Probate Issues
When a family member passes away, there are several actions that one must take, including taking care of the deceased person’s belongings and assets, paying debts, and filing tax returns. It can be challenging to deal with probate issues and estate administration issues. All of these issues can cause unnecessary stress on top of the grief one already feels when losing a loved one.
Don’t wait another day to deal with probate issues. Instead, make it easier for you and your loved ones by speaking with an experienced probate lawyer. At Sheppard Law Offices, we have knowledgeable and dedicated probate lawyers in Newark, OH to guide you through these complicated legal procedures.
We realize that every situation is different, which is why we are here to help you come up with a solution that supports you and your loved ones. Contact our Newark, OH probate lawyers today to schedule a free In-Person Consultation so you can be on your way to achieving financial peace.
Our Newark Probate Lawyers Can Successfully Navigate the Probate Process
At our offices in Newark, OH, our lawyers offer full administration and full probate services. In addition, our Newark, OH probate lawyers are knowledgeable and experienced in navigating the complexity that probate issues often require.
When going through probate, individuals are expected to prove the deceased’s Will is legal and valid in addition to identifying, categorizing, and appraising realty and personal property. Additionally, you are expected to pay any outstanding debts or taxes and distribute any property. Sheppard Law Offices in Newark, Ohio can guide you through all of these steps to make the process as painless as possible.
Probate laws can vary state by state. While most are similar, they have some variances about the steps in the process of the timelines for when those steps need to be complete. We can guide you through these timelines to open and close the probate case correctly including promptly handling creditor claims.
Our Probate Services in Newark
If you have an estate where the total value of the estate is under a certain dollar figure, we can help you pursue either a Relief from Administration or Summary Release from Administration. However, with higher value estates, your case can last for at least six to nine months or longer. In addition, our law offices offer various probate services for full administration of estates including opening the estate, inventorying the estate, and accounting for the estate. We can also assist you in preparing the necessary tax returns and appropriately distributing the assets. Depending on your situation, Sheppard Law Offices can help you file a Relief from Administration or Summary Release from Administration.
Additionally, we offer services for “Living Probate”, which is commonly called Guardianship. Suppose you are caring for a loved one who is struggling to handle the mental load of his or her financial obligations. In that case, we can help you establish a guardianship for that person. The guardian will act on behalf of the ward. The guardian of the estate will report periodically to the probate court on financial matters of the ward. The guardian of the person will serve the ward in making medical and lifestyle decisions where the ward isn’t mentally capable of doing so.
OUR ATTORNEYS CAN SIMPLIFY THE PROBATE PROCESS
If we cannot bypass the probate process, we may be permitted to simplify the process by filing a shortened type of probate case. These are generally referred to as Relief from Administration and Summary Release from Administration cases. There are certain requirements that need to be satisfied in order to file one of these shortened probate cases, but the most important advantage is the reduction in length of time that a probate case remains open with the court. Our Newark probate lawyers can share with you whether your case can proceed through one of these shortened types of probate cases.
The Probate Process
The probate process tends to be intimidating to those who have never dealt with it before. Thankfully, the Newark probate lawyers at Sheppard Law Offices are here to break it down and assist you every step of the way.
- Authenticate Last Will & Testament
- Appoint Executor
- Post Bond (if necessary)
- Locate Assets
- Assess Value
- Identify & Pay Debts
- File Taxes
- Distribute Assets
One of the expenses of probate administration is addressing the preparation and filing of the decedent’s last income tax return and making sure that real property taxes are paid. Our Akron probate lawyers will help file or appeal any income tax that the IRS, state of Ohio or county tax division claims the estate owes. Legitimate tax debts would be paid by the executor or administrator with the estate’s assets.
CONTACT OUR NEWARK, OH PROBATE LAWYERS
We know that dealing with the grief of losing a loved one is challenging, which is why Sheppard Law Offices in Newark, OH is here to help. Our Newark, OH probate lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex legal proceedings that come with the various types of probate processes. Also consider establishing properly constructed estate plans to avoid probate, such as a living trust, living, will, and powers of attorney.
Contact our team at Sheppard Law Offices today to schedule a free In-Person Consultation to learn how we can assist you with probate issues to lessen the financial obligations for you and your loved ones for years to come.
About Newark
Newark, Ohio is a city located in the eastern part of the state, known for its rich history and culture. The city is situated at the confluence of the Licking River and the North Fork of the Licking River, with mostly flat terrain and some rolling hills.
Newark was founded in 1802, but it’s most notable feature is the Newark Earthworks, which is a National Historic Landmark, one of the largest ancient geometric earthworks in the world, built by the Hopewell culture more than 2000 years ago. This ancient earthwork, along with other historical sites like the Licking County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, make Newark a destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
The city is also known for its cultural and recreational events, festivals, and museums that take place throughout the year, making it a great destination for those who want to experience a city with a rich history and culture.
Despite the beautiful scenery and rich culture, residents of Newark can still run into legal trouble. If you need help with probate law and estate planning, there’s no one better to help than our experienced Newark Ohio probate lawyers from Sheppard Law Offices. Together, we can craft a plan that benefits you and your loved ones for the uncertain future! Our experienced attorneys have been providing satisfactory legal guidance to different clients for years!
The legal services of our law office also include family law, bankruptcy, and tax law. Call our Newark law firm today to schedule a free In-Person Consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney!
