Probate Law
Probate Law is the legal process by which the assets of a deceased person are distributed to the heirs of the estate, after the payment of creditors.
The probate and estate administration process can be tedious, time-consuming, and costly. If you are the administrator (or executor) of an estate, you face substantial legal and financial responsibilities. At the Law Office of Walter Evans, we work with you and your family to navigate through the process in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Contact the Firm today.
The Office handles all probate administration matters, from small estates with a single bank account, to complex estates with assets in multiple jurisdictions.
The Law Office of Walter Evans has extensive knowledge and experience handling the following:
- Conservatorship
- Guardianship
- Guardian Ad Litem
- Power of Attorney
- Probate Administration
- Estate Planning
What's a Conservatorship?
A conservatorship is a process in which an individual (known as the conservator) takes over another person’s financial and business affairs. The conservator is usually a friend, relative, or close associate of the person who has become incapacitated. His or her job is to do things like pay bills, invest money, care for assets, gift assets, sell property, and protect the incapacitated person from financial harm, scams, or schemes. The conservator is legally bound to get the court’s approval for certain transactions – such as borrowing, establishing a trust and selling property. A conservatorship can be cumbersome, expensive, time consuming, and emotionally taxing. On the other hand, the conservatorship can help protect the incapacitated individual from financial harm, both self-inflicted and created by outside forces.
What's a Guardianship?
Guardianship is an official arrangement by which a designated person (the guardian) assumes rights of care over a minor to make decisions in that minor’s best interest. A guardian might handle issues regarding property, income and financial choices, medical treatment, living arrangements, day-to-day care and personal decisions. A guardian can give gifts, settle lawsuits, draft a will, pay debts, access confidential notes and papers and e-mails, and manage travel logistics for the minor.
The compassionate and legally knowledgeable team here at the Law Office of Walter Evans can help you come to terms with your responsibilities, keep your affairs in good order, and answer your questions throughout the process.
What does Probate Administration REALLY MEAN?
When someone dies, the court supervises the process of transferring that person’s assets and property (his/her “estate”) to heirs. Did the decedent have a will or not? That answer will impact the terms, length, and potential frustrations of the probate process. If you are concerned about friction occurring during or after probate, you can choose from a gamut of estate planning practices. During probate, an administrator or executor will categorize, collect, and assess your property and debts and distribute money to your heirs either according to your will or according to rules designated by a law called, “intestate succession.”
Schedule an appointment today, please call 901.577.7770.