Probate Lawyers in
Medina, OH
Trusted Probate Lawyers in Medina, Ohio
The death of a loved one can take a toll on even the strongest human beings, especially if you must manage their estate after their passing. Many estates end up going through the complex probate process, putting further stress on you and your loved ones. The Law Office of Champion & Champion helps grieving families through the probate court process and aids in estate planning and probate litigation. We are committed to our clients and will do everything in our power to resolve any estate disputes as efficiently and effectively as possible.
What is Probate Law?
Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets after they pass away. Their property and belongings distribute out to their family and friends according to their wishes. The probate process also settles any estate debts left behind by the deceased.
Before a loved one passes away, they often appoint a family member or close friend as their executor. The executor manages the deceased’s possessions during the probate procedures. If an executor isn’t listed, the court will provide a personal representative or administrator to take the executor’s role. The executor or personal representative/administrator is known as a fiduciary. A fiduciary handles the following:
- Marshall and list the deceased’s liabilities and assets
- Gather and protect the deceased’s property
- Pay any outstanding debts to creditors
- Distribute the deceased’s estate and belongings to their heirs and beneficiaries listed in the will. If a will isn’t present, the deceased’s property will be divided and distributed according to Ohio Law.
The probate process begins when a judge validates the deceased’s will. The judge will then appoint an estate representative to handle the value of the deceased’s possessions, pay for the funeral costs, and notify the heirs and creditors. They will also manage any other estate-related taxes or debts. Once the estate representative’s duties are complete, the deceased’s property is distributed among their heirs and beneficiaries, ending the probate process.
Why Hire a Probate Lawyer?
Dealing with the probate process while grieving the death of a family member is often too much to bear. Most people turn to a probate lawyer to help them manage the complicated probate process while they mourn the death of their loved ones. At Champion & Champion, we understand how laborious the process can be. That’s why we dedicated our lives to help families recover from their loss while providing legal help to those in need. We will handle all the legal proceedings so you can mourn your loved one in peace.
In some cases, an heir or beneficiary will contest the deceased’s will or trust, complicating the probate process even further. Disputed wills generally arise for the following reasons:
- Lack of capacity
- Fraud
- The deceased has multiple wills
- Will was not properly signed or witnessed
- Undue influence
Probate lawyers will assess the contested will and see if the accusation is valid. If the will is indeed invalid, the lawyer will deal with the will and the heirs/beneficiaries accordingly to settle disputes regarding the deceased’s belongings and estate.
Why Choose Champion & Company?
Our lawyers are well versed in probate law and have vast experience helping families through the complicated process. We are committed to our clients and will do everything we can to ensure the probate process goes as smoothly as possible. Our team of knowledgeable lawyers helps families with the following:
- Advise the fiduciary of his legal duties and obligations
- Explain a will’s terms as well as the estate administration procedure
- Make sure the required notices reach the correct creditors, beneficiaries, and government agencies
- Gather, identify, categorize, and value the deceased’s assets
- Prepare fiduciary accounts and court filings
- Resolve all conflicts between the heirs and beneficiaries
- Provide litigation and mediation services
- Prepare and file federal estate tax returns.
If you are looking for honest, reliable, and knowledgeable probate lawyers in Medina, OH, that always make you their number one priority, Contact the Law Offices of Champion & Champion. Our team has the experience they need to handle all your probate needs. Don’t wait. Call the Law Office of Champion & Champion at (330) 865-7722 today!
Looking for a Probate Lawyer Near You?
Do you need help with a probate matter?
If you are called to administer a deceased person’s estate in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Kent, Medina, or Ravenna, or if you have a property interest in a deceased relative’s estate, make an appointment to talk with us. We would be pleased review the facts with you and answer your questions. There is no charge for an initial consultation if you do not retain our services.
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