Indianapolis probate attorneys guide you through the probate process, which is the process that generally must occur after someone has passed away. The probate process is necessary to facilitate the transfer of assets, unless an estate plan has been made to avoid probate. It is also the process that allows creditors to make claims on the estate, the validity of the will to be determined, and other legal matters associated with the estate to be resolved.
Unfortunately, probate can be a complicated and time consuming process, which makes it is especially difficult for people to cope with when they’re also dealing with grief from the death of a loved one.
If you are involved in the probate process, you should have an attorney who can represent you and advise you. Frank & Kraft will take care of the technical aspects of the probate process for you and will provide you with assistance at every step of the way to ensure you fulfill your obligations and your rights are respected during probate.
To find out more about the assistance we offer, you can give our Indianapolis probate attorneys a call at any time. We have experience representing all different parties who have an interest in the process, including executors, heirs or beneficiaries, and those who wish to contest a will.
If You Have Been Named as Executor
If you have been name as the executor of an estate, you have the most responsibilities of any other party during the probate process. When you’re named as executor in a will, you have to file the paperwork to get probate started. The court will have to officially appoint you as executor, and when you take on this role, you have a fiduciary duty which is the highest duty owed under the law.
You’ll have to manage estate assets, file all court paperwork during the probate process, provide notice to heirs or beneficiaries and to creditors, deal with tax issues, and otherwise complete the steps necessary to wind up the affairs of the estate and transfer assets. Many of the steps you’re responsible for taking are very complicated, but our legal team will help to ensure that you fulfill your obligations so the probate process goes smoothly.
If you Could Inherit After a Death
If someone has died and you’re a close relative or have been named in a will, you should have an experienced attorney representing you during the probate process. While your obligations during this process are not as intensive as those that an executor must fulfill, it is your inheritance that is actually at stake. You want an experienced attorney to help you to monitor the probate process, make sure the executor of an estate is fulfilling his obligations, and work to protect your inheritance until probate is complete.
If you are Contesting a Will
There are many circumstances in which there is reason to believe that a will is not actually a valid reflection of the wishes of the deceased. If you believe a will was made under conditions of fraud or duress or if you believe that there is something wrong with a will that has been created, you owe it to the person who has passed away to take action.
If you want to contest a will, you’ll need to make solid legal arguments demonstrating exactly what is wrong with it. It will be your obligation to prove the problems. Frank & Kraft can help you to obtain evidence and craft the best argument possible for why a will should be declared invalid and not be probated.
Getting Help from Indianapolis Probate Attorneys
Indianapolis probate attorneys at Frank & Kraft can offer you the type of comprehensive help that you need to fulfill your specific obligations during the probate process. We have represented executors, heirs or beneficiaries, those contesting a will, and other parties with a legal interest in probate proceedings. We understand how the law works, we know what your rights and obligations are, and we’ll help you to fulfill your duties while protecting the money and property the deceased left behind.
To learn more about what the probate process entails and about what our firm can do to help you throughout this process, join us for a free seminar. You can also give us a call at 317-684-1100 or contact us online to get personalized advice and assistance throughout the entirety of the probate process that you’re involved in. Give us a call as soon as your loved one has passed away so we can begin to make the probate process easy for you.
Paul A. Kraft, Estate Planning Attorney
Mr. Kraft assists clients primarily in the areas of estate planning and administration, Medicaid planning, federal and state taxation, real estate and corporate law, bringing the added perspective of an accounting background to his work.
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