Port St. Lucie Probate Attorney
Did you recently lose a loved one and now have to navigate the probate process? Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be facing a straight and simple path or a long and arduous road to complete the probate process. This is where the experience and skill of our Port St. Lucie probate attorney comes in. Brian K. McMahon, P.A. is prepared to answer all your questions and help you navigate the probate process to ensure the best possible outcomes for your case.
What Exactly is Probate?
The probate process involves the identification and collection of a deceased person’s assets, paying off the deceased person’s debts, and the distribution of the assets to the deceased person’s beneficiaries. Generally speaking, the probate assets will be used to pay the cost of the probate proceedings, the deceased’s funeral and burial expenses, and their outstanding debts. The deceased’s beneficiaries will receive what is left of the assets.
Why is Probate Necessary?
Probate is usually needed for transferring ownership of the probate assets to the beneficiaries. If the deceased person left a valid will, the probate court will review it and process it based on the state’s probate procedures. If the deceased passed away without a will, also known as dying intestate, probate will be needed to transfer the asset ownership to the individuals eligible to receive them under the law.
Probate may likewise be required to wrap up the financial affairs of the deceased. This will ensure all the creditors of the deceased are paid and help avoid legal issues down the road. Do note that certain assets don’t need to go through probate, so it is best to discuss your specific situation with our Port St. Lucie probate attorney.
How Our Port St. Lucie Probate Attorney Can Help
Even in seemingly simple probate cases, many legal issues may crop up, and the deceased estate’s personal representative may not be familiar with most of these issues and how to resolve them. Our Port St. Lucie probate attorney, Brian K. McMahon, P.A., can advise you on your legal duties and rights, represent you in probate proceedings, and conduct the following on your behalf:
- Identify, manage, and secure the probate assets
- Notify all the relevant parties, including beneficiaries and creditors, about the probate
- Collect life insurance benefits
- Satisfy any claims and debts
- Get all property appraised
- Prepare and file all probate documents
- Determine and pay any previous inheritance or estate taxes outstanding
- Manage the estate’s account
- Transfer assets to designated beneficiaries
- Close the estate
Your attorney will make sure to keep track of deadlines and help you understand all the legal matters or issues you may face during probate. Additionally, if the deceased owns property in multiple states, your attorney will handle the ancillary probates.
Seek Legal Guidance From a Seasoned Port St. Lucie Probate Attorney
The probate process can be complicated, stressful, and emotional, but it doesn’t have to be. Our experienced Port St. Lucie probate attorney, Brian K. McMahon, P.A., can help you through this difficult and confusing time. Please call 772-228-6701 or reach us online to schedule your free consultation with our Port St. Lucie probate attorney now.