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Probate and Estate Administration in Powell

Upon a person’s death, their estate is subject to probate, regardless of the presence of a will. This procedure is essential for confirming the will’s terms and distributing the decedent’s assets.
Beneficiaries must wait until probate concludes to receive their inheritance. Depending on how substantial the estate is, this waiting period can extend from several months to more than a year.

Probate can be a complex process, but legal help is available. Our Powell, 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 the Probate Options in Powell

There are three main types of probate in Ohio. First, there is simplified probate. Your estate will qualify for this if it’s worth less than $50,000. In addition, you’ll qualify if your estate is valued under $100,000 and your spouse inherits everything.

Another type is the summary release from administration, available for estates under $5,000. Estates also qualify if their value is equal to or less than the funeral costs.

If an estate doesn’t qualify for the types mentioned earlier, it will undergo formal probate. This process is more detailed and may include legal challenges.

Our Powell estate administration and probate lawyer can protect your estate’s interests during the process.

Executor or Administrator Duties

When preparing your will, naming an executor is essential. Without one, the probate court will appoint an administrator, usually the surviving spouse, when applicable. The executor or administrator begins by confirming the will’s validity. Next, they must inventory the estate’s assets and conduct appraisals.

Their subsequent duty is to pay any outstanding taxes and debts. Finally, the executor or administrator will distribute the property to the rightful heirs.

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.

Guidance Through Will Disputes

Will disputes can sometimes arise in the probate process. Those with the right legal standing and reasons can contest a will. Our Powell, Ohio, probate administration lawyer is ready to help, whether defending or disputing a will.

If you’re an executor or administrator, we’ll support you in defending the will in court. Alternatively, we can assist you if you need to dispute a will. Contact us today to explore your legal options.

Probate Timeline, Factors & Expectations

The probate process, typically taking nine months, can be complicated by estate size and legal factors.

Our Powell probate and estate administration attorney simplifies the process and will manage probate court guidelines, legal challenges, and creditor interactions.

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Your Ohio Business Succession Planning Lawyer
Your Ohio Business Succession Planning Lawyer

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Our Powell 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.
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 probate law attorney has extensive experience in handling complex probate litigation matters.
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 team can assist with inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and navigating complicated legal and financial matters.
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. For estates involving minor children, we help establish guardianships and trusts to protect their interests. Our Powell 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.

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