When a loved one passes away, you may experience overwhelming grief. Unfortunately for many, this grief can be comingled with the anxiety of handling the Probate process. As such, doing everything possible to prepare for Probate can help ensure you have time to process your feelings. If you’re tasked with this process, enlisting the assistance of a Medina County, Ohio probate lawyer is crucial. These legal professionals can help you navigate the complexities of this process so you can focus on grieving and celebrating the life of your loved one during these challenging times.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the process in which the assets of a deceased person are examined and validated before they are distributed according to the wishes of the deceased party or according to Ohio’s intestate laws if the party passes without an estate plan.
Depending on the size of the estate, you may be able to utilize an expedited Probate process. If handling a very small estate worth less than $5,000, you will not have to go through the Probate process. If the value of your estate is less than $35,000 or the estate is worth $100,000 and everything is left to the surviving spouse, you can qualify for simplified Probate, which will take two to four months.
What Steps Can I Take to Prepare for Probate?
When you are tasked with handling the Probate process, ensuring you take the necessary steps to prepare for Probate can help this process go smoothly.
The first and one of the most important things you must do is gather all documents and files related to the person whose estate you are handling. This includes their death certificate, which must be filed with the courts. You should also obtain a copy of their Will, any Trusts in their name, and all financial documents. These include information about mortgages, deeds, loans, bank statements, and insurance policy information.
Next, you’ll need to contact the beneficiaries and inheritors of the estate. Once you have notified these people, you can begin taking inventory of the estate. This includes real estate, investments, collections, jewelry, and any additional valuables the deceased party possessed.
Aside from contacting the beneficiaries, you must also contact the Social Security Administration, any lenders, and the life insurance companies the deceased had plans with. If a creditor contacts you, do not agree to pay anything until you have met with an attorney.
How Can an Attorney Help Me During this Process?
Unfortunately, Probate can be incredibly complex if you’re unfamiliar with the process. As such, it’s in your best interest to avoid confusion or conflict. Because creditors have up to six months after the passing of someone who owed them money, the process will take, at minimum, six months.
As such, ensuring you contact a dedicated attorney from Krause Law can help ensure the Probate process goes as smoothly as possible. We understand how overwhelming it can be to handle the estate of your loved one while processing the emotions you feel from their passing. As such, our compassionate team can help you manage the legal complexities so you can celebrate your loved one.
