Probate of a Will or Estate

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s matters after their death in accordance with their preferences stated in their will. Because many people and institutions can be involved in a probate, the matter seldom is as simple as a reading and distribution of assets. The process generally includes these steps:

• Determining the contents of an estate including cash, securities, real estate and other liquid assets.
• Appraisal of the estate to determine its value.
• Settlement of outstanding debts including unpaid bills, loans or other liabilities. In Tennessee creditors have up to four months to make claims against a will so the process can drag out for a prolonged period.
• Probate and execution of the will during which the executor will distribute estate assets according to the wishes of the deceased.
• Closing the estate once all claims and assets have been exhausted.

An executor/executrix is the person charged with making sure the bills are paid and the assets distributed in accordance with the will. A seasoned probate lawyer frequently advises the executor as the probate process goes through its twists and turns.

More complex is an estate left by someone passes intestate or without a will. In these cases claims and challenges can make the probate process go on for a long time since all the steps above must be navigated without a road map.

Hiring a competent probate attorney — such as those at Turner Law Offices, P.C. — can relieve much stress and anxiety after the loss of a loved one. The administration of an estate can be a long and cumbersome task; an experienced lawyer can streamline the process, reducing frustration and discomfort for the client.