Dealing with the loss of a family member or close friend can be devastating. If you are appointed the executor of the estate of the deceased, you also have to manage the disbursement of the estate, which is a complicated process.
In Davenport, IA, most executors turn to the assistance of a probate lawyer to handle this process. Having an attorney to guide you through the process helps to protect the executor from making mistakes or incorrectly managing the affairs of the deceased.
Specific Tasks
Depending on the experience and comfort of the executor, a probate lawyer can be more or less actively involved in the process. Typically, the more complicated or complex the estate, the more involved the attorney will be throughout probate.
Generally, a probate attorney assists the executor in identifying all assets and securing them until final disbursement, managing proceeds from life insurance, paying debts from the estate, addressing income tax issues for the estate, and paying inheritance or estate tax, if applicable.
In addition, the probate lawyer works directly with the probate court, ensuring all necessary documents are filed as required. The lawyer will also transfer titles and assets and finalize the distribution to all beneficiaries after the estate is settled.
Reducing Conflict
When the estate is large, if there are family members or other people that are litigious, or if there are multiple marriages and divorces, having a Davenport, IA, probate attorney can also help to reduce conflict within the family and between the executor and the family.
If you are the executor of a will and need a probate lawyer in Davenport, IA, turn to the legal team at David J. Franks, P.C. To find out more, see us at davidjfrankslaw.com.
