Many people go most of their lives without needing an attorney. When you need one, however, it is often at a particularly vulnerable time. If you find yourself in a situation where you require a probate attorney in Moline, IL, you may be confused as to what to expect or what questions to ask.
What Does a Probate Attorney Do?
After a death, the estate of the deceased will need to be settled. This requires phone calls and gathering and filing certain paperwork. Some of the work can be done by anyone, but some things require input from a probate attorney.
If you are working on a tight budget, you can probably handle many of the tasks yourself. This allows your probate attorney to take care of the specific tasks that require legal expertise. If you decide to go this route, consult with the lawyer so you are both aware of what the other is doing. This ensures that all the tasks related to closing the estate are properly administered.
Tasks Involved in Settling an Estate
To settle the estate, you will need copies of the death certificate, have appraisals performed on anything of value, and file the will in probate court. A final tax return will also need to be filed on behalf of the deceased. When working with a probate attorney in Moline, IL, make sure you are aware of the deadlines for completing various forms. There will be deadlines for creditors to file claims, and a date will be set for a final hearing in probate court.
To keep cost and confusion to a minimum, you can relay information to beneficiaries yourself. This minimizes the amount of time the lawyer will need to spend on the phone, which can add up. Of course, this only works if all beneficiaries agree. Regardless of the relationships between these individuals, having an experienced probate attorney such as David J. Franks standing by will make the process much quicker and less stressful for everyone. Visit our firm online at http://DavidJFranksLaw.com to find out what we can do for you.
