Estate Administration

Probate is a legal process that occurs after a person passes away, and it is something that individuals in every state, including Virginia, may need to deal with. Probate is one part of the wider estate administration process. If someone dies with a will, their property will likely be distributed according to their specified wishes. If they die without a will, the state probate laws determine how their assets are distributed.

Probate is a multi-step process that includes validating the will, inventorying the estate, paying taxes and debts, and distributing assets. Following the death of a family member, you likely need an attorney’s help when dealing with an estate. Depending on the complexity of the asset portfolio, taking an estate through probate may take months or even years. The first step is to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Virginia probate attorney.

The attorneys at Taylor, Taylor & Taylor, Inc. are committed to understanding our clients’ concerns regarding probate issues. Our legal team approaches all estate administration cases knowing that each one is unique, and every client deserves compassion. If you need help from an estate administration attorney in Virginia, Taylor, Taylor & Taylor, Inc. is ready to represent you. Call today for a consultation.

What is probate?

Probate is a legal process by which a deceased individual’s estate is distributed among their beneficiaries. If an individual dies without a will, their assets will be distributed to their heirs. If the deceased person does have a will, the court will oversee the executor’s actions to make sure they pay all debts. Finally, the appointed executor transfers all assets to the beneficiaries.

While probate is a common legal process in Virginia, it is not always required. Probate is necessary when the deceased person leaves behind property subject to distribution under state laws. If the person leaves behind only assets that are not subject to probate, the estate does not need to go through the probate process.

Why it’s important to hire an experienced estate lawyer

No two estate cases are exactly alike, and it can be difficult to determine the needs of an estate without an in-depth review. A skilled Virginia lawyer will be able to determine the necessary steps to take and administer the process from beginning to end.

When negotiations do not produce desired outcomes, probate litigation may be necessary. The probate attorneys at Taylor, Taylor & Taylor, Inc. have the trial experience needed to advocate persuasively on behalf of our clients. Our firm helps clients with an array of probate and estate administration tasks, including:

Interpreting terms of a will
Helping prove the validity of a will
Contesting terms of a will
Initiating probate proceedings
Preparing notices to creditors and heirs
Assembling and inventorying assets
Distributing assets of the estate to beneficiaries
Contesting actions taken by estate representatives
Bringing suits against estate representatives
Ascertaining and paying debts of the estate
Arranging for appraisal of real estate
Filing estate taxes

Our Virginia probate lawyers make sure that estates and trusts are administered in accordance with state and local laws while keeping the best wishes of the deceased a top priority. At Taylor, Taylor & Taylor, Inc., we are ready to offer top-notch legal advice and representation whenever issues arise after the death of a loved one.

The probate process in Virginia

Probate in Virginia is a court-supervised legal process that may be required following someone’s death. Probate grants an individual authority to identify and collect the deceased person’s assets, pay taxes and debts, and transfer assets to the heirs.

While every probate estate in Virginia is unique, they generally involve the following steps:

Filing out required forms for a probate appointment with the appropriate probate court
Probating the Will, with or without a fiduciary’s qualification
Notifying heirs under the will, or, if there was no will, the statutory heirs
Cataloging the estate assets
Paying outstanding debts and filing and paying taxes
Sale of estate assets
Final distribution of assets to beneficiaries
Complete and submit the paperwork required to the appropriate Commissioner of Accounts’ office

Why choose Taylor, Taylor & Taylor?

The probate process can be overwhelming, and stressful for those left to deal with it. From inventorying the assets to making sure they are properly distributed; it is vital to have experienced legal counsel in your corner. For the qualified assistance that you need, contact the Virginia probate attorneys of Taylor, Taylor & Taylor, Inc.

With over four decades of experience, our team can guide you through the probate process and provide you with the resources you need. Our attorneys welcome your request for an initial consultation. Call Taylor, Taylor & Taylor, Inc. now to learn more about how we can help you and your family.