If a loved one who died recently in Indiana named you as executor of her or his estate, you may feel a sense of honor about your loved one trusting you to settle her or his affairs. On the other hand, because you likely have not handled many estates in your life, you may run into more than a few snarls here and there.
To help ensure that you do everything right and get ahead of stress, see what WayForth has to say about enlisting the help of a probate attorney. You may easily handle some tasks on your own, but others require the help of an experienced professional with specialized knowledge.
Tension
Should tension arise in the family or between named beneficiaries over the estate, it is best to bring in an attorney. A legal professional has the proper background necessary to inform everyone of their options and help them make a collective and fair decision. Resolving contentious matters without an attorney can make things drag on and tear families apart.
Contracts
Any estates that include passing on a business to an heir or any type of legal contract require an attorney’s insight. There is often a lot of paperwork involved in settling estates, such as disclaimers and deeds. Those unfamiliar with such documents may make a mistake or leave out vital information. This all boils down to the fact that when the probate process takes on complex angles, it is time to fall back on another’s expertise.
Judges
Sometimes, such as when you cannot decipher an estate document’s intentions, it is necessary to go before a judge to settle an estate. If you do, it is best to bring an attorney with you. The same applies if anyone should challenge a will.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
