Probate

Integrative Legal can help you navigate the courts. Probate is the formal legal process that gives recognition to a will and appoints the executor or personal representative, who will administer the estate, pay debts and expenses, and distribute assets to the intended beneficiaries.

If you die with or without a will and you have assets that don’t already have a named beneficiary, like your house, then your family will have to go through the probate court at your death. 

Likewise, if you lose capacity and don’t have a durable power of attorney or health care proxy/health care power of attorney, your family will have to go through the courts to have a guardian or conservator appointed to make decisions for you and get access to your assets. 

If your minor child inherits assets from a grandparent or someone else, you may have to be appointed as guardian through the courts.  

Expect the probate process to take at least 6-8 weeks, and another six months before you should be distributing assets.  Once you get appointed, you have to keep the estate open for at least a year.  We can help you avoid this whole process, contact us now to learn how.