Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer St. Clairsville Ohio

Your St. Clairsville 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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Estate and Probate Administration in St. Clairsville, Ohio

Regardless of whether a person has left a will, their estate must enter probate when they pass away. This process serves to authenticate the will and ensure the estate is settled properly.

Beneficiaries cannot claim any property until the probate is fully completed, which, depending on the estate’s size, may take several months or even over 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

Navigating St. Clairsville, Ohio's Probate Landscape

St. Clairsville, Ohio, offers three probate paths: simplified, summary release, and formal.

Simplified applies to estates under $50,000 or under $100,000 if the spouse inherits all. Summary release suits estates below $5,000 or equal to or less than funeral costs. Estates exceeding these thresholds undergo formal probate, a more complex process potentially involving legal disputes.

An estate administration and probate attorney well-versed in probate law can protect your estate’s interests during the process.

The Role of The Administrator or Executor

When drafting your will, you can choose an executor. Absent this, courts select an administrator, often the remaining spouse. Their duties begin with will authentication and a comprehensive asset inventory and valuation.

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.

Handling Probate Disputes

During probate, disputes over wills may arise, and it’s crucial to have solid legal backing. Those with the right legal standing can legally challenge a will. Our St. Clairsville, Ohio, probate law attorney is experienced in both defending and contesting wills.

Whether you are tasked with defending a will as an executor or seeking to challenge its validity, we provide the support you need. Get in touch with us to discuss your legal options.

Anticipating the Timeline and Legal Issues of Probate

The probate process typically takes approximately nine months. But that can vary depending on the estate’s size and any legal complications that may arise.

A St. Clairsville, Ohio, probate and estate administration attorney can navigate these challenges and manage probate court guidelines, legal disputes, and creditor claims on your behalf.

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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 St. Clairsville 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 St. Clairsville probate and estate administration attorney has extensive experience handling complex probate litigation matters.

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

Our St. Clairsville 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.

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. For estates involving minor children, we help establish guardianships and trusts to protect their interests. Our St. Clairsville 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.