Understanding Probate: Four Questions to Ask Your Cherry Hill NJ Probate Attorney

The death of a family member is never easy to handle and the idea of going through the probate process for this loved one’s estate can overwhelm you. However, it is important to understand how probate works and hire Cherry Hill NJ Probate Lawyers to protect your interests and implement your wishes.

Because of the important role a probate attorney plays in the process, you need to work only with the best one. Whether you are an estate owner who wants to make a plan, a Will Executor, or an interested beneficiary, you must be informed about the probate process. When meeting your probate lawyer, ensure you ask important questions such as the following:

What Documents Should I Prepare?

Before you meet with an attorney, ask about the documents you must bring with you. A lack of important documentation can delay the probate process. Often, you may need to prepare documents such as a death certificate, the original last will and testament of your deceased loved one, copies of financial obligations including bills the deceased owed, and copies of their financial statements.

What to Expect During Probate?

Let your lawyer explain what to expect in the probate process. They should tell you what has to be filed by when, who must be present or involved in the process, and when. Also, you can ask them about how long they think this process can take. Depending on the estate’s size, this could take between 6 months and 1 year. In addition, you can also ask your attorney if probate is a must.

What Will the Executor Do?

Often, the designated Will Executor will meet with the probate lawyer after a loved one dies. Your lawyer must lay out the duties of this executor like managing estate property, distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries, as well as paying outstanding bills. They will describe fiduciary duty and how it is associated with the actions of the executor.

How to Pay Outstanding Financial Obligations and Bills?

Often, estate creditors must be paid from the proceeds of the estate before beneficiaries get their share of the assets. Probate law outlines such an order. If the estate does not have readily available assets to pay creditors, the Will Executor can use the property’s sale to cover such obligations. Your probate lawyer can make sure the executor is aware of this information, ensuring creditors are handled lawfully and appropriately before the estate can be closed.