Probate Administration
What is Probate?
Probate is a court-supervised process to transfer assets from a person who has passed away to the new lawful owners. But first, the Clerk of Court must make sure that all of the decedent’s taxes and debts are paid.
Probate is generally a long, complicated, and sometimes frustrating process. We are regularly hired to guide our clients through the probate process. While every probate is unique, here is a list of what is involved in a “typical” probate:
- Locate and file the decedent’s Will (if he or she had one) with the Clerk of Court
- File necessary probate documents with the court
- Secure the decedent’s residence and tangible personal property
- Determine and then notify all known creditors of the estate
- Appraise and determine the value of all assets
- Locate, inventory, take possession and transfer personal assets and accounts.
- Make payments to creditors based on class and availability of funds, discharge the decedent’s obligations and obtain creditor releases.
- Process and obtain life insurance benefits, if any
- Make specific bequests, together with partial and final distributions, to beneficiaries.
- File Final Account with Clerk of Court, closing Estate and relieving the Personal Representative of his/her duties.
Working with Our Firm
As you can imagine, accomplishing all of this is hard enough without the added grief of losing a loved one. At the Law Office of Michael Paul, PLLC, our experienced staff can guide you through the probate process from beginning to end and make it as stress-free as possible. You are not alone during this difficult time.
Searching for a probate administration attorney in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Youngsville, Louisburg, Knightdale, or Zebulon? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.