Have you recently lost a loved one? Were you named as the Executor in someone’s Will? Do you have questions about the Nevada probate process but don’t know where to turn? If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering, “Do I need a probate attorney?”
Nevada probate lawyer Natalia Vander Laan can help.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after their death. It involves taking an inventory of the estate, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets according to the deceased person’s wishes.
Probate can be complex, and it must be handled properly.
Why Do I Need a Probate Attorney?
Some estates are straightforward, and you do not always need a probate lawyer. But for anything other than the most simple and straightforward estate, it is wise to work with an experienced Nevada probate attorney.
Natalia Vander Laan will explain the probate process, help you gather the necessary documents, and provide advice and legal representation during the probate process. She will also keep track of important court dates and appear on your behalf when the judge makes decisions that affect your loved one’s estate.
What Happens in Probate?
Administering an estate involves the following process:
- Validating the Will of the deceased person, if they had one
- Appointing an estate administrator or executor
- Determining the value of estate assets
- Paying estate debts and taxes
- Identifying and distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries
What Does a Probate Attorney Do?
The probate process generally lasts between 6 months to 1 year. Complicated estates or situations where there are family disputes can take even longer.
An experienced probate lawyer will help you move through the process more quickly. Ms. Vander Laan will also help you avoid unnecessary family conflicts, claims against the estate, overpayments, lawsuits, and mishandling of estate debts or taxes.
Do I Need a Probate Attorney?
To help you decide whether you need to hire a probate lawyer, consider the following questions:
- How complicated is the estate?
- Did the decedent have a Will, trust, or other estate planning documents?
- Are there stressful relationships between the surviving family members and other beneficiaries?
- Do you understand what will be required of you as the estate executor or administrator?
Some assets will pass outside of probate, which can make the administration of an estate easier. Assets that do not pass through probate include:
- Assets held in a trust
- Jointly held assets
- Assets with a named beneficiary, such as retirement accounts or insurance policies
When deciding whether to hire a probate lawyer, consider the relationships between the decedent’s family members and any other beneficiaries. Are there likely to be disagreements? Will loved ones fight over who should receive certain assets? Do you anticipate other problems?
An experienced probate lawyer can help reduce these family tensions and help speed up the probate process.
The Vander Laan Law Firm: Nevada Probate Lawyer Proudly Serving the Carson Valley Community
The death of a family member or other loved one is a time of grief. The stress of the probate process often makes a difficult situation worse. If a family member or someone you love recently passed away and you have questions or need assistance, the Vander Laan Law Firm is here to help.
Natalia Vander Laan takes a caring and compassionate approach to probate law, answering her client’s questions and helping them understand the details of estate planning documents and the next steps in the process. Clients find that she is patient, kind, and thorough, and gets to know her clients personally as she guides them through the probate process.
The Vander Laan Law Firm has offices conveniently located in Minden and Carson City. Ms. Vander Laan offers a free initial consultation, where she will ask questions to understand your situation and outline the services she can provide.
To learn more about Natalia Vander Laan and her unique approach, contact the Vander Laan Law Firm today.
