Legal Advice

After the death of a loved one, there are many legal details that need to be sorted out. You may be wondering whether you need a lawyer. You may need to locate certain legal documents before the arrangements are made. And what about the estate and the will? Let us help you clear up any confusion you may be feeling. If you have any questions or would prefer to speak to someone directly, please contact us.

Do I need a Lawyer?
While there is no requirement to use a lawyer, probate is a rather formal procedure. One minor omission, one failure to send Great Aunt Tillie a copy of the petition, or a missed deadline, can cause everything to come to a grinding halt or expose everyone to liability.
Death Certificates
Before the business and legal issues of the estate can be pursued, it will be necessary to obtain certified copies of the death certificate.
Accounts & Deposit Boxes
Because banks are subject to both state and federal regulations, procedures can vary greatly from bank to bank and state to state.
Executor of an Estate
The executor of an estate has full responsibility with regards to your funeral arrangements. If so desired your executor can change anything with reference to those arrangements. This is the person all funeral homes take direction from.
How to Make a Will?
Wills are simple, inexpensive ways to address many estates.If your looking for guidelines to help you make your will, this is the section for you.
Probate
Probate is the process that transfers legal title of property from the estate of the person who has died (the "decedent") to their proper beneficiaries.
Notify Creditors
Creditors should be notified promptly following a death. If there is to be a delay in meeting debts or installment payments, you may be able to file for extensions.