Dealing with the passing of a loved one can be a very difficult and trying experience. The last thing a person might think about is hiring a probate attorney in Maple Valley, WA. In reality, a person shouldn’t be in a rush to hire an attorney after a loved one’s death. They definitely have to take the time to properly grieve. Trying to rush through the grief process isn’t really a healthy thing to do. If the deceased made certain arrangements with the help of an estate planner, a probate attorney might not even have to be hired.
Before a person determines whether or not they need a probate attorney in Maple Valley, WA, they will have to look for the deceased’s will. The will could be located in the deceased’s home, office, or perhaps in a bank in a secure box. It could also be with their lawyer. In some cases, it can take quite some time to find a person’s will. If a will can’t be found, loved ones will definitely have to contact a lawyer to help get the estate resolved properly. Without a will, things can get really messy. Matters could end up tied up in court for years if people start fighting over the estate.
When dealing with an estate, people might have to deal with unresolved debts. Taxes might have to be paid on the estate. There are also unsecured creditors that might seek payment. Unfortunately, there are times when the debts that are tied to an estate are actually more than the value of the estate itself. Such a situation can be very hard for a person to tackle without professional assistance. Once all debts have been resolved, a person can move on with handling the estate.
When an individual contacts a lawyer for a consultation, they should bring certain documents with them. A death certificate, will, and financial papers are helpful. If a person only has a death certificate, they can just tell their lawyer that they are having trouble locating the other paperwork.
