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.

Colorado Probate Infographic

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.

Probate Myths Vs Realities 

When a family member dies it is easy to feel overwhelmed, and it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a qualified Colorado probate lawyer from W.B. Moore Law. When you are thrown into the estate process there are plenty of things that you have to worry about. There are also plenty of myths that you may fall prey to as well.

Hollywood loves to depict family battles over wills and estates, with these drama-filled courtrooms and old anger surfacing. The reality is much less dramatic. Yes, it can be an overwhelming process but oftentimes it is less drama filled, and more working together.

Here are some of the most common myths to watch out for.

Myth #1: If Someone Dies Without a Will The State Gets Everything 

There are many reasons to write a will, but the state snatching everything isn’t one of them. For some reason, this has become a fairly popular myth through the media. If you die without a will, the legal term for this is dying intestate, then the state law kicks in. Each state has their own rules for who inherits what.

Typically, your spouse or children would be the first in line to inherit anything. With the rules varying from state to state, only a lawyer can tell you for sure who would get what. There are some states that only the surviving spouse and minor children share the deceased parent’s assets. You really wouldn’t want a child to inherit a quarter of your bank accounts, would you? If you are worried about setting up a will, talk to a Colorado probate lawyer for help on how to set one up.

The only time the state gets anything is if relatives can’t be found. It is rare and unless you are the only surviving member of your family tree, then you can rest assured that the state won’t get your money.

Myth #2: It Takes Years 

Most estates don’t take years to resolve. Typically, the only time there is a delay is the period of time mandated by state law that gives creditors time to file claims. The length of this time varies from state to state. On the short end you are looking at four months but it can take upwards to a year if the person who died had a massive estate.

Of course there are delays that do happen, like family fights or ongoing income. Family fights aren’t normal. The media would love for you to think that, but the truth is, most times things are settled quickly. Unless you also have an estate that is bringing in income, you won’t be facing much of a delay.

Myth #3: The Cost of Probate Eats Up All Estate Assets

There are plenty of stories out there about how much probate costs. The worst stories claim that the probate process ate up everything and left the remaining family with nothing. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, it does cost money to go through the probate process.

Many people never have to go through the probate process. For those that do the cost is likely to be less than 5% of the value of the estate. What gets people is they fall for the extra-high fees that lawyers can charge.

If you have any more questions about what a Colorado probate lawyer can do for you, doesn’t hesitate to reach out to W. B. Moore Law today.

More About Probate

A Colorado probate lawyer is someone who is experienced in handling the legal process of distributing the assets of someone who passed away and settling their debts. Probate is a court-supervised process that can be time-consuming and complex, so it’s important to work with someone who is knowledgeable, and our lawyers at W.B. Moore Law can ensure that everything is handled properly. One of the main reasons people hire a lawyer is to help them navigate the probate process.

What Probate Entails

The process of probate involves submitting a petition to the court to open the estate, identifying and gathering the assets of the deceased person, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or according to state law. A lawyer can help you through every step of the way, ensuring that it is done correctly and that your wishes (or your loved one’s) are carried out how they should.

Another reason to work with a Colorado probate lawyer is to handle any legal disputes that may arise during the probate process. For example, if a family member believes that they were unfairly left out of the will, or if there are disagreements about how the assets should be distributed, a lawyer can help mediate these disputes and work towards a fair resolution. In some situations, litigation through probate may be needed to resolve such issues, and a lawyer can offer representation if needed in court.

Estate Planning Assistance

Our team can also help you with estate planning. This involves creating a comprehensive plan for how your assets should be distributed after your death, as well as naming a guardian for any minor children and making other important decisions. Working with a legal team to create your estate plan can confirm that your preferences will be abided by and that relatives are taken care of after your departure.

Choosing A Law Firm

If you’re in need of help, it’s important to choose a law firm with the right experience and qualifications for your specific situation. Look for a lawyer who has handled similar cases in the past and who is familiar with the local court system. You should also consider the lawyer’s communication style and how comfortable you feel working with them. A reliable lawyer can explain the process in terms that are simple, while answering questions or concerns you may have. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

Reach Out Today

All in all, a Colorado probate lawyer can be a useful resource for those who are going through the death of a loved one or want to plan for their own personal futures. Whether you need help navigating the probate process, resolving legal disputes, or creating an estate plan, a lawyer can provide you with the guidance and support you need. If you’re in need of a lawyer, do your research and choose one who has reliable insight to help you achieve your goals, such as us at W.B. Moore Law.

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

When a person passes away, our Colorado Probate Lawyer will share that probate is an essential legal process that involves the distribution and management of the person’s estate after they have passed. The process can often seem complex and overwhelming, particularly for those with little legal or financial experience. Our team from W.B. Moore Law answers five critical questions related to the probate process; the following aims to provide a clearer understanding of what it entails and how it can be managed effectively.

1. What is the probate process?

Probate is the legal procedure after a person’s death to ensure that their estate – including property, assets, and debts – is correctly handled. The process often involves:

• Validating the deceased’s will, if one exists
• Appointing an executor or personal representative to administer the estate
• Paying off any debts and taxes
• Distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs

2. Who is responsible for managing the probate process?

The executor or personal representative, typically named in the deceased’s will, is responsible for managing the probate process. If no will exists or no executor is named, the court usually appoints a close relative as the administrator. This person is then responsible for ensuring all steps of the probate process are followed, from filing the necessary paperwork to distributing the assets of the deceased.

3. What are the steps involved in the probate process?

The probate process usually begins by filing a petition at a probate court to either confirm the executor named in the will or to appoint one. The next steps involve:

• Taking inventory of the deceased’s property and assets
• Determining their total value
• Paying off any debts or taxes
• Distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as per the will or state law, if no will exists

Throughout the process, our Colorado Probate Lawyer shares that the executor is responsible for notifying all creditors and beneficiaries and maintaining the estate’s assets.

4. How long does the probate process take?

The duration of the probate process can vary significantly based on factors such as the estate’s size and complexity, the executor’s efficiency, the existence of a will, and the laws of the specific state. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year. Disputes between beneficiaries or claims from creditors can also extend the process.

5. How can the probate process be simplified or avoided?

Several strategies can simplify or even avoid the probate process. One standard method is the creation of a living trust, where assets are placed into a trust during the individual’s lifetime, thus avoiding probate upon their death. Joint ownership of property and the designation of beneficiaries on financial accounts and insurance policies can also bypass probate, as these assets are transferred directly upon death. Consulting with an experienced estate planning lawyer can provide valuable advice tailored to specific circumstances and goals.

While often daunting, the probate process can be managed effectively by understanding its steps, knowing the executor’s responsibilities, and recognizing the duration it can take. Awareness of strategies to simplify or avoid the process can also prove advantageous. However, given the complexities involved, seeking counsel from a Colorado Probate Lawyer from W.B. Moore Law will be beneficial, ensuring the deceased’s assets are appropriately handled, their debts settled, and their heirs receive their rightful inheritances.