Ideally, everyone would have an estate plan that makes dealing with their property after their death a simple process. However, way too many people wait until it’s too late, and the surviving family members are left to settle their estate while they are grieving. Depending on the asset types the deceased person left behind and whether they were married, the process might be quite complicated. Instead of trying to navigate the court system, many people in this situation hire a probate lawyer in Bremerton WA.
Having a probate lawyer enables family members to grieve while the particulars of their loved one’s estate are handled professionally. An attorney might tackle the transfer of property in Texas as well as real estate owned in other states. They might also take care of the paperwork required to assign guardianship of minor or disabled children. Other assets, such as vehicles, jewelry, and artwork can also be transferred through the probate process. If the deceased had debts, these will be paid as well. In many cases, the family won’t have to be very involved in the transfer of assets or the settlement of debts.
When a person dies without a will, it’s up to the local probate court to decide who gets their assets. If they were married, most of their belongings may be transferred to their spouse. However, if they left behind adult children from a previous relationship, this transfer may be a little more complicated. This is why it is very important for parents in blended families to outline their wishes in an estate plan. While a probate lawyer in Bremerton WA may be able to help the family sort it out after their death, it could be much easier on the family if the parent left their wishes in writing.
This site has a wealth of information about probate and estate planning and could help people in need get in touch with an attorney.