Are you in a legal situation where the aid of a probate counsel seems necessary? This is a serious legal issue that will require expert legal counsel. There are a number of ways to tell if this is truly the case. And there are also a few telltale methods of determining the right time to call on one.
When Should a Probate Attorney Be Hired?
There are certain types of probate matters that you can probably handle on your own. However, there are plenty of times when it will be in your best interest to hire a legal expert. When you do so, it’s always best to hire one in your city. Start with a simple search like, “probate attorney Houston” to find the right one for you to rely on for pinpoint aid and counsel in these contentious legal concerns.
Perhaps the main catalyst for the hiring of a probate attorney is the fact that you and the other family members of the deceased are simply unable to get along. You may be unable to reach an agreement that satisfies the needs and expectations of all parties concerned.
If things should get to the point where a family member begins threatening to sue, you need to take this threat seriously. Now is the perfect time for you to consult a probate lawyer. Doing so will give you the backing that you need to meet this threat and deal with it in a successful fashion.
If Assets Can’t Be Transferred Without Probate, Call an Attorney
When you are at an impasse where the assets of the deceased person cannot be safely transferred without resorting to probate, you should definitely call an attorney. On some occasions, a living trust can be the key to avoiding this process. Joint tenancy, survivorship community property, or tenancy by the entirety can also help avoid it.
If none of these measures can be resorted to, you may have to bite the bullet and prepare for a long, tedious, and possibly costly court case. Hiring the services of a qualified probate lawyer will go a long way toward making this process much shorter and easier to afford.
Do You Have Assets That Require Ongoing Attention?
If your probate case involves assets connected to a business, commercial real estate, or any other type that requires special continuous handling, you will do best to hire a probate attorney. This is all the more true if you are going to need to manage, appraise, or sell a business. These are tasks that should be handled by an expert.
Even if your case includes only very common items such as house, bank or brokerage accounts, vehicles, or household goods, you may still need to call on the services of an expert probate lawyer. Some of these items, while not high in value, may still possess sentimental or other value that some family members will contend over.
How Simple Can You Expect the Probate Process to Be?
Another major issue that you need to be aware of is how simple or complex you are expecting the eventual process of probate to be. In some states, the deceased person may be covered under a set of special laws known as the Uniform Probate Code. If the case can be handled by this body, it ought to be pretty simple and straightforward.
In states that are governed under UPC rules, most probate processes will be conducted with a bare minimum of official court supervision. In a few other states, the procedure may also be simplified in a similar manner even though there is no UPC in existence.
However, if the deceased passed away in a state that has no UPC or similar body, you may be in for a much bumpier ride. You will need the expert legal guidance of a probate lawyer to help you negotiate your way through this contentious process.
The Time to Secure Your Probate Attorney Services is Now
There are plenty of ways to resolve a probate case. Negotiation and mediation are highly recommended in this matter. However, if you have no choice but to go to court, you need an expert legal ally by your side. Your probate attorney will stand with you through each stage of the process to ensure your victory.
