As everyone knows, a lot goes into creating a comprehensive estate plan. Whether your family has many assets, a large home, a small business, or some combination thereof, effective planning can save you and your loved ones a great deal of time and commitment in the future. It can also help you to avoid costly probate litigation and other legal issues in the future.
Probate is a court-supervised process that involves the verification of a deceased person’s last will and testament or, when there is no will, determining how the estate should be distributed to the deceased person’s heirs. The process can take a matter of weeks or months in small estates, but in larger estates, it may take years. During this time, anyone who believes they have a claim to the estate can contest the will or file a petition with the court, which could delay the distribution of assets.
Having an experienced Fort Lauderdale probate attorney by your side can make the process of settling a deceased family member’s estate as easy as possible. An attorney can also assist with other aspects of the estate, including settling debts, taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the appropriate beneficiaries.
Although no one wants to think about the death of a loved one, it is important to plan ahead and prepare your estate for such an event. This includes setting up a trust and creating an advance health care directive, both of which can reduce the need for your family to go through the probate process. A Fort Lauderdale trust and estate litigation lawyer can provide you with assistance in these areas and help you minimize the risk of estate litigation in the future.
In some cases, a person may need assistance caring for themselves after a traumatic injury or progressing disease. In these situations, a friend or family member can apply to become the guardian of a vulnerable individual. The Fort Lauderdale guardianship lawyers of Davis and Associates can assist with the initial application process and help ensure that a ward receives the proper care they need.
Schneider Law, LLC provides legal assistance to individuals facing probate and estate planning matters. Their team assists clients in obtaining death certificate copies, locating a will, and filing administration petitions. They can also assist with preparing trusts, power of attorneys, and health care surrogates. Moreover, their team can resolve disputes that arise during or after the probate process.