PROBATE LAWYER
SERVING MEDINA, ALBION, LOCKPORT & NEWFANE, NY

What Does a Probate Attorney Do?

Our probate attorney has the knowledge and experience to help guide you through the probate process. Even if the estate in question has trusts, which don't go through probate, a probate attorney is still qualified to help the trustee administer the trust. While you can technically go through the probate process on your own, working with an experienced attorney makes everything much easier. Here are some of the things that our probate attorney can do to help you:

• Organizing the Estate: Our probate attorney can review the decedent's estate and identify all of the assets; we can also collect and organize any life insurance policy proceeds and ensure that everything is administered correctly.
• Manage Finances: If necessary, we can open and manage the estate's checking account to ensure that any continuing bills are paid as needed.
• Handling Taxes: We can determine any inheritance taxes that may be due and ensure that they are paid properly. We can also identify and pay any estate and income taxes. This saves you the trouble of worrying about taxes while attending to everything else.
• Handling Debts & Bills: All outstanding debts and remaining bills will need to be paid from the estate. We can make sure that all remaining loose ends are resolved.
• Making Final Distributions: Once the estate's taxes and debts have been paid, they can be distributed to the beneficiaries. We can oversee the process, which can offer incredible peace of mind for the trustee - especially if the family relationships are complex.
• Filing Documentation: Administering an estate requires significant paperwork every step of the way. Our probate attorney can prepare and file any court documents, order property appraisals if necessary, and even retitle assets in beneficiaries' names.

Do you need a probate attorney? The answer will depend on what, if any, estate plan is in place for the decedent. Did they have a will, a trust, both, or neither? What is the size and complexity of the estate? Reach out to our office with this information and we can provide further recommendations. We have worked with clients from throughout Buffalo, Lockport, Albion, Newfane, Medina, and the surrounding areas of New York.

Benefits of Hiring Our Experienced Probate Attorney

When a loved one passes away, it is emotionally overwhelming, and dealing with the legalities and complexities of probate can be a daunting task. That's where a probate lawyer comes in. A probate lawyer specializes in navigating the probate process and will prevent personal liability and ensure a smooth and efficient administration of the estate. Below are various reasons why you should hire an experienced probate layer instead of navigating through this legal process on your own.

• Prevent Personal Liability: As an executor of an estate, if you make a mistake, you can become personally liable. Hiring a probate lawyer to help you administer the estate will help prevent you from personal liability.
  
• Save Time: It is very time-consuming tracking down descendants, gathering assets, keeping records, and paying bills. Hiring an attorney to do this for you will save you a considerable amount of time.
  
• Quicken the Probate Process: The probate process can take years if the executor does not fill out forms properly, give notice to all necessary parties, or get the necessary signatures from heirs or credits. An attorney will ensure every necessary action is taken and quicken the probate process as much as possible.
  
• Minimize Disputes: Disputes can quickly arise if an estate is being handled in an unprofessional manner or is not being administered quickly enough. Hiring our probate lawyer will help minimize any potential disputes with the estate.

As you can see, there are various benefits to hiring a probate lawyer. Navigating the probate process can be complex and overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys at Nathan D. Pace, P.C. are dedicated to helping clients with all their probate matters. With our years of experience and resources, you can have peace of mind knowing we will handle all your probate needs, giving you the necessary time to grieve during this challenging time. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation. We proudly offer legal services to those in Albion, Lockport, Medina, Newfane, NY, and the surrounding areas.