If you're the executor of the will for someone who has passed away, you likely have a lot on your plate. You are now responsible for making sure that various survivors of the deceased receive the portion of goods that have been left for them. Although you may initially think you can handle this task on your own, it may be best for you to get professional legal help. Asking yourself a few questions can help you determine if it's time to hire a probate attorney.
Are Family Members And Other Survivors Behaving Amicably?
The first question you want to ask yourself involves the behavior of the family members and survivors of the deceased. Are they cooperating and getting along, or is there hostility and tension brewing? The answer to this question is very important.
The reason why it's so vital for you to pay attention to the behavior of the survivors is because of how detrimental a lawsuit can be. If one or more of the survivors feels that they aren't getting their rightful share of the property, cash or belongings, they may decide to sue the estate. If this happens, estate funds can be tied up for years on end, and the family can literally be torn apart as the case lingers on.
If you see that there are a few dissenters in the bunch, it's best to get a probate lawyer involved. They can help you draw up the legal documents for each party to sign so that everyone will be in agreement concerning their share of the estate. This can go a long way toward helping you avoid an ugly lawsuit.
Did The Deceased Have A Lot Of Creditors?
When a person dies who has both an estate and several creditors, it's best to get a probate attorney involved right away. Once the creditors have received notification of the deceased's passing, they may decide to get their funds by suing the estate.
A probate lawyer can help you deal with situations like this. They can negotiate with the creditors and come to a settlement that could leave more of the estate funds for the survivors.
Knowing when to get an attorney involved is the key to sustaining your peace of mind as you go through this journey. When you have to distribute an estate, keep these questions in mind so you'll know when it's time to hire a probate lawyer like David R Webb Attorney.
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