Reasons to Hire a Probate Lawyer

12 Nov 2020 Legal Services

Since the legal issues surrounding death can be extremely complex, hiring a probate lawyer will ensure that you are able to settle an estate as quickly and as smoothly as possible. If you are unsure about whether or not hiring a probate lawyer is in your best interests, consulting with the estate litigation professionals at Linley Welwood will ensure that all of your questions are answered properly. Their team has also put together a list of reasons to hire a probate lawyer to help you make an informed decision.

What is Probate?

Probate is the process in which the will of a deceased person is determined to be valid and accurate. During this process, the deceased person’s executor or administrator will be granted control of the assets in order to distribute them to the heirs, as listed in the final will. Since probate is a court process, hiring a probate lawyer will ensure that the estate and its distribution are handled properly.

Why Hire a Probate Lawyer?

Being an executor of a will comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility. Choosing to work with a probate lawyer will reduce the level of stress associated with the job and will also help mitigate the risk of errors. Some of the reasons you should consider hiring a probate lawyer if you have been named as an executor in a will include:

1. Professional Legal Advice

An experienced probate lawyer will be able to provide you with sound legal advice while undergoing the probate process. Your probate lawyer will be able to provide you with advice on how best to handle all of the responsibilities of being an executor and will also be able to answer any questions that you might have.

2. Expedited Process

In order to expedite the process, a reputable probate lawyer will ensure that all of the proper legal documents are completed and filed accurately before applying for probate. Doing so will reduce the chances of the application being delayed for corrections or rejected by the court.

3. Reduced Risk of Being Sued

Since the beneficiaries of the will can have the right to make a legal claim against an executor if they believe that the executor has mishandled or misappropriated estate funds, an experienced probate lawyer will take the time to guide the executor through a distribution and release process. During this time, a probate lawyer will review all financial accounting of the estate funds and will ensure that all beneficiaries sign releases before receiving their share of the estate in order to reduce the likelihood of a lawsuit against the executor.

Learn more about what happens if an executor does not follow a will.

If you would like to learn more reasons to hire a probate lawyer, or if you are interested in their legal services for estate litigation, please contact Linley Welwood at 604-850-6640 or by filling out a contact form on their website.