Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer Lancaster Ohio

Your Lancaster Probate Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer

The Jarvis Law Office represents clients during the probate process, helps families wrap up a trust, and facilitates the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

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Probate and Estate Administration in Lancaster, Ohio

When individuals pass away, whether they have a will or not, their estates are required to undergo probate. This procedure involves confirming the validity of the will and resolving the estate’s affairs.

Until probate concludes, beneficiaries cannot access the property. Depending on the extent of the estate, this process can take several months or more than a year.

Probate can be a complex process, but legal help is available. Our Ohio probate and estate administration attorney can help you administer the estate. We are also available if you believe the administrator or executor isn’t acting in the estate’s best interest. Contact us today to discuss your case.

What Assets Don’t Go Through Probate?

Only some assets have to go through the probate process. Non-probate assets include:

Assets inside of a revocable or irrevocable trust
Jointly owned assets
Assets with designated beneficiaries
Transfer-on-death assets

Understanding Probate Processes in the Buckeye State

Lancaster, Ohio’s probate system features three main routes. Estates worth less than $50,000 (or under $100,000 with full spousal inheritance) qualify for simplified probate. Estates valued under $5,000 or matching funeral expenses are eligible for summary release from administration. Larger estates undergo standard probate.

So, if your estate doesn’t meet the criteria for simplified probate or a summary release from administration, it will undergo standard probate. This is a bit more complicated and might include legal contests.

A Lancaster, Ohio, estate administration and probate lawyer can protect your estate’s interests during the process.

Duties of the Estate Administrator or Executor

A person’s will can designate an estate executor. Without one, the court appoints an administrator, typically the surviving spouse. This individual’s first task is to verify the will. Following this, they catalog and assess the estate’s assets.

Next, the person must pay the taxes and debts. Once that is done, the executor or administrator will distribute the property.

While some administrators and executors choose to handle probate themselves, many find that hiring a trust administration and probate lawyer makes the process much easier. From legal challenges to record-keeping, our probate administration attorney can assist with every aspect of probate.

Resolving Will Challenges

Occasionally, will disputes emerge during probate proceedings. Individuals with proper legal standing and valid reasons can challenge a will. Our Lancaster, Ohio, probate and estate administration attorney is prepared to assist you whether you aim to contest or defend a will.

Executors and administrators can rely on our guidance to uphold a will in probate court. Conversely, if you need to challenge a will’s validity, we are here to help. Contact us today to understand your legal choices.

Understanding the Probate Timeline

The probate process, affected by estate size and legal factors, usually takes nine months to complete. However, consulting a Lancaster, Ohio, probate and estate administration lawyer can expedite matters. They’ll handle legal complexities and creditors, ensuring a smoother experience.

Your probate attorney will ensure that all probate law guidelines are followed and can handle legal and creditor challenges for you.

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Why Choose Jarvis Law Office?

Free Consultation – Discuss your needs during a complimentary consultation with Jarvis Law Office. We can consult virtually, so you don’t have to visit the office.
High Satisfaction Rate – Our clients have left reviews praising our knowledge, experience, and helpfulness. We have a track record for high-level service and customized solutions.
Focused Practice Areas – We focus exclusively on the area of elder law.
Three Convenient Locations – We have offices in Lancaster, St. Clairsville, and Dublin, making it easy to reach clients throughout Central and Southeast Ohio.
Free Events – Our firm offers free events for Ohio residents. These events cover essential estate planning issues, such as how to pay for long-term care while protecting your assets.
Family First – We’re focused on family. Our family (yes, we employ several family members in the firm) is protecting yours.

Testimonials

I have worked with Emily at Jarvis Lancaster location and she is very personable, friendly and has “Great” customer service. I would recommend Jarvis Lancaster location to anyone who needs assistance with elder care planning!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is probate and estate administration, and why might I need an attorney for this process?

Probate and estate administration is the legal process of managing a deceased person’s estate, including distributing assets, paying debts, and handling any related court proceedings. An experienced probate attorney from Jarvis Law Office can guide you through this complex process, ensuring all legal requirements are met, assets are properly distributed, and potential disputes are minimized.

How can Jarvis Law Office help me plan ahead to simplify the probate process for my loved ones?

Our Lancaster estate planning attorney can assist you in creating a comprehensive estate plan, including wills, trusts, and other legal documents. By working with us to establish a clear plan, you can potentially reduce the complexity of probate, protect your assets, and ensure your final wishes are carried out. We can also help with succession planning and advise on strategies to minimize estate tax burdens.

What role does a probate lawyer play in handling disputes or litigation during estate administration?

If disputes arise during probate, such as will contests or fiduciary duty claims, Jarvis Law Office’s probate lawyer can provide skilled litigation counsel. We represent executors, beneficiaries, and other interested parties in probate court, working to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting our clients’ interests. Our attorney has extensive experience in handling complex probate litigation matters.

How does Jarvis Law Office assist executors or administrators in fulfilling their responsibilities during probate?

Our probate attorney offers comprehensive support to executors and administrators, helping them understand and fulfill their fiduciary duties. We guide them through the entire probate process, from filing initial court documents to distributing assets and closing the estate. Our Lancaster, Ohio team can assist with inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and navigating complicated legal and financial matters.

Can Jarvis Law Office help with special circumstances in probate, such as wrongful death claims or estates involving minor children?

Yes, our probate and estate administration lawyer is experienced in handling various special circumstances. We can assist with wrongful death claims, ensuring proper distribution of any settlements or awards. We help establish guardianships and trusts for estates involving minor children to protect their interests. Our team also has experience in elder abuse cases and can advise on reforming wills if necessary. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and how we can help.

Please note that the information provided here is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. It is recommended to consult with an attorney from Jarvis Law Office to obtain personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.