As the saying goes, “there are two things certain in life - death and taxes.” And the government is involved in both. When any level of government is involved, it is generally regarded that complications follow.
When a person dies, the state law generally requires that the estate of the decedent be probated. The probate process involves the official proving of the will.
Usually at this time, the family of the decedent needs a probate attorney who will discuss the necessary steps to take at the Probate Division of the Circuit Court located in the jurisdiction where the decedent dies.
These steps include:
- Appointing the executor of the estate and other matters to marshal the assets
- Listing the estate's inventory
- Setting up a bank account for the estate
- Preparing the list of debts of the decedent.
- Notifying the heirs at law and next of kin
These matters are somewhat complicated for a layperson, but not for an experienced and knowledgeable probate attorney. Specific documents must be filed with the Court and tax returns need to be filed with the federal and state governments.
Paul Maloof and his colleagues at Redmon, Peyton & Braswell have many years of experience in the area of probate and estate administration, and would be happy to discuss your needs.