When someone passes away, it’s not uncommon for those they were close with to experience several overwhelming emotions, from grief and sadness to frustration and anger. Unfortunately, this can lead to issues among family members, especially if they are a blended familial unit. As such, it’s in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the problems that could arise for a blended family during the Probate process and why connecting with a Medina County, Ohio Probate lawyer is critical. Keep reading to learn more about these matters in the following blog.
What Is Probate?
Probate is a complex process that many estates in Ohio must go through when someone passes away. Essentially, this is the legal process of administering and distributing the estate of a deceased party. This includes verifying their Will, appointing an Executor, and distributing assets to rightful Beneficiaries.
Though this may seem relatively simple, there are many steps involved in the Probate process, making it challenging for the Executor. This includes appraising assets, communicating with Beneficiaries, paying taxes and outstanding debts, and communicating with inheritors.
What Problems May a Blended Family Experience?
Unfortunately, you may find that in blended families, there are many different dynamics to take into consideration. Some may harbor hard feelings against others for the actions of those that preceded them and it’s not uncommon for many people to share their opinions. When others disagree and old resentment rises to the forefront, disagreements can arise.
For example, if the deceased adopted their spouse’s child, their biological children may feel as though they have a more “valid” claim to the deceased estate because they are related by blood. However, this is far from the truth, and the adopted child has the same legal rights as the biological children.
Another property that can arise is due to the legal rights of each party in the familial unit. Children, step-children, spouses, ex-spouses, and extended family all have different legal rights to the property left by the deceased party, meaning disputes may arise more easily if they believe they are entitled to certain assets.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me?
If you have been appointed to oversee the Probate process of a loved one’s estate, understanding whether or not an attorney can help you during this process is critical. Generally, you’ll find that having a lawyer who is familiar with estate planning and Probate is critical, as they understand who is entitled to what assets based on the documents left behind by the deceased. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with a lawyer to explore your legal options to ensure you honor the wishes of the deceased during this complex process.
When your loved one passes away, we understand how devastating this can be. That’s why the team at Krause Law is ready to assist you through these challenging times. Our firm knows that Probate can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the process, so we are here to assist you in honoring the wishes of your loved one. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you.