Probate Lawyers in
Hudson, OH

What Is Probate Law?

Following someone’s passing, the law distributes their assets in a process called probate. Through this process, their estate debts are paid, and their property and possessions are distributed to the appropriate people.

If they had prepared a Will, the courts would use it to determine who receives what assets. Sometimes, the Will could name an executor responsible for managing the deceased’s affairs.

However, sometimes people pass away without leaving behind a Will. In this case, you will need an estate administration lawyer to get involved in determining the estate’s value and how to distribute it.

The Steps Involved in Probate

Before the deceased’s assets can be distributed to the heirs, the court must first verify the validity of the Will. If the court determines that the Will is valid and has been named an executor, the executor can take charge of the deceased’s affairs.

If the court deems the Will valid but has not named an executor, the court will appoint a personal representative or administrator to manage the entire process.

The representative will:

• Inventory the deceased’s liabilities and assets
• Collect and safeguard the deceased’s assets
• Pay the creditors
• Distribute what remains to the beneficiaries according to the Will

If there is no Will, the court will appoint a representative to distribute the deceased’s assets according to Ohio probate law.

Why You Need Estate Planning and Probate Lawyers in Hudson, OH

Estates not left in order often end up in costly probate litigation. In such cases, grief-stricken survivors often have to go through complicated legal proceedings that can be overwhelming.

If you experience this scenario, you will find the probate attorneys at Champion & Company, LPA, come in handy. Our probate lawyers can provide you with legal guidance to help you navigate the procedure.

Some of the guidance we offer include:

• Explaining the estate administration procedures and all the Will’s terms
• Advising a representative about their legal duties and obligations
• Identifying, gathering, categorizing, and valuing assets
• Advising the representative regarding the proper distribution of the assets according to law
• Preparing court filings
• Resolving any disputes among beneficiaries
• Providing mediation and litigation services
• Preparing and filing estate tax returns

Disputing a Will

New York law allows a beneficiary or heir to dispute a Will. You can do so for various reasons, including:

• Undue influence
• Lack of capacity
• Fraud
• The presence of multiple Wills
• The Will was not properly witnessed or signed

For example, if you believe that the deceased was not of sound mind when creating the Will or was threatened or pressured by someone else to do so, you have the legal right to dispute the Will.

If you plan to do so, our probate lawyers in Hudson, OH, can offer you the legal services and guidance you need.

On the other hand, if someone disputes a Will that you believe to be valid, our probate attorneys can also provide you with the legal guidance you need to defend the validity of the Will.

Get The Legal Help You Need

Trying to navigate complex probate procedures while consoling yourself after the passing of a loved one can add additional stress to an already difficult period.

By hiring a probate lawyer, you can focus on coming to terms with your loss, knowing that they will professionally handle all your legal matters. At Champion & Company, LPA, we aim to offer families the legal services they need to streamline the entire probate process.

Even with a Will present, the Will could need legal interpretation. On top of that, gathering and valuing assets can be a complicated and overwhelming task. As an executor, you will need legal advice and guidance to perform your duties without making mistakes or breaching your fiduciary duty.

If you are in the middle of probate and need probate lawyers in Hudson, OH, look no further than Champion & Company, LPA. Call Champion & Company, LPA, today at (330) 865-7722 and speak to one of our probate lawyers in Hudson, OH.

Looking for a Probate Lawyer Near You?

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