Probate Lawyer Colorado

If you have questions about the probate process, you may want to speak with a Colorado probate lawyer. Probate can be a confusing process, so it is helpful to have someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side. An attorney from W.B. Moore Law can address all of your questions and concerns.

How to Conduct the Probate Process

If you are the executor of a will, it is your responsibility to begin the probate process. Here are the steps for conducting the probate process.

 

• File a petition. First and foremost, you have to file a petition to start the probate process. When you fill out the paperwork, you will have to acknowledge that you’re the executor of the estate. Then, you will have to go to court where a judge must approve you as executor. If the judge gives you the approval, the probate case will officially open.

• Provide notice. Once the probate case has begun, you have let all creditors and beneficiaries know about it. You may also have to put a notice in the newspaper.

• Take inventory of assets. The next step is to gather all assets that are subject to probate and take inventory of them. These assets may include homes, bank accounts, personal items and retirement accounts.

• Pay debts. Before you can distribute assets to beneficiaries, you have to make sure that all of the decedent’s debts are paid. The court prioritizes creditor claims. A Colorado probate attorney may advise you to go through decedent’s checkbooks and bank accounts to gather this information. 

• Distribute assets. Once the estate’s debts have been paid, you can then start giving the remaining assets to the rightful heirs.

• Close estate. After you have distributed the assets in the estate, everything is done. You will just have to provide the court with receipts and records of everything and request for the just to close the estate.

Why You May Need a Probate Attorney

While probate might seem like a pretty straightforward process at first, it can still have complexities. You also never know if you will hit a roadblock along the way. That is why it may be in your best interest to work with an experienced probate attorney. He or she can guide you through the process and make sure that you submit all the necessary documents by deadline. Your attorney will help you deal with the decedent’s debts properly and avoid overpaying.

An attorney can also help minimize conflict among family members. It is common for multiple family members to want to be part of the probate process, which can make things more confusing. If you don’t let them get involved, they may be suspicious that you are hiding something. However, if you hire an attorney, he or she can answer everyone’s questions and reduce the chances of someone getting suspicious.

A probate attorney can streamline probate by maintaining close communication with banks and other third-parties.

Schedule a consultation with a Colorado probate attorney from W.B. Moore Law today to discuss your case in detail.