Probate Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO
If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, chances are you’ve heard of probate. Some people may mention how challenging it can be, and others may tell you how nightmarish their own experience with probate had been. It’s enough to make anyone apprehensive – and at a time when you’re supposed to be able to grieve, no less.
Fortunately, if you have problems or questions about probate, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most challenging legal processes people have to face on a regular basis. Fortunately, you can contact a qualified probate lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO to help you navigate the process, and you can read this brief FAQ to see how Legacy Law Center can help.
What Exactly is Probate?
For those out of the loop, probate can be summed up easily: It’s the process through which the estate of the deceased is divided across their beneficiaries in accordance to their best wishes. In plain English, it’s how the possessions of a deceased person get split up and given away as they requested in their will. It sounds simple, but don’t let it fool you: Most people have a frustrating experience with probate because of the number of hoops they have to jump through before they see a single cent of what was left behind for them.
What Counts as an Estate?
Your estate is everything you’ve built up or accrued over the course of your lifetime. It can include physical property such as collections and heirlooms, but it can also extend to investments. Estates also include your debts and anything you might owe to creditors. If you leave behind a will, you’re leaving behind instructions regarding what should be done with all of your assets – all the more reason to work with an estate planning lawyer to iron out any questions that might surface after your death.
What Happens if I don’t Make a Will?
It’s possible to go through your entire life without taking the time to draft a will. However, it can lead to lots of drama and infighting amongst your loved ones after your death. Your estate will still be divided and distributed, but usually only to whoever has the best lawyer. If you don’t create a will, the state will choose a close relative to handle your estate after your death, and this representative will typically be a direct relative or a spouse. This may be for the best, or (if you have any estranged relatives or bitter exes) it could cause even more problems for those you care about the most.
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
Probate is frustrating for everyone. Fortunately, if you contact a qualified probate lawyer, you’re taking steps to learn more about the entire process – as well as a second set of eyes that can keep a look out for any kind of underhanded dealings. It’s important to honor the best wishes of the deceased, and a probate lawyer can help you fulfill the last wishes of your close friend or family member as they would have liked.
Don’t hesitate, and don’t force yourself through probate without legal assistance. Contact a probate lawyer today, and see how Legacy Law Center can help.
