When a loved one passes away, the process of going through their estate can be stressful and overwhelming. The process can also be very time-consuming and costly, which is why many families try to avoid it altogether. Sometimes, undergoing this process is necessary, but our Warren, MI probate lawyer can assist. If you’re currently facing the probate process, call Gudeman & Associates, P.C. to see how we can help!
Warren, MI Probate Lawyer
The probate process is used to prove that a will is an accurate document that reflects the last will and testament of the deceased. The entire process generally includes the following actions:
- Will validation: The first step is to confirm that the deceased’s will is valid and accurate.
- Identifying assets: The estate and all its assets will likely need to be appraised to determine their overall value.
- Protect heirs and beneficiaries: Ideally, the deceased names heirs and beneficiaries in their will. Specifically, including heirs and beneficiaries in a will can protect them when it comes to distributing assets.
- Paying debts and taxes: Any outstanding debts or taxes owed by the estate will need to be collected.
- Dispute resolution: Following the death of a loved one and the probate process, disputes are likely to arise. The will itself might have instructions or guidance on how to handle disputes. Otherwise, our probate lawyer might need to step in to resolve any disputes.
- Asset distribution: Lastly, the final process involves allocating all the remaining assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or the state law.
Our Warren probate lawyer plays a significant role in helping individuals and families through the probate process. The process is much easier if there’s a will outlining specific instructions. Should the will be unclear or if there’s no will, the process can take much longer.
Why Experience Matters for Probate
The probate process can be challenging, especially if your loved one’s will is unclear. To reduce time and money, you should work with our experienced team, which can make the process less stressful.
- Combined, our team brings over 100 years of experience. During our time, we’ve gotten an A+ rating with the BBB. We bring a team with diverse skills and expertise, which helps in tackling difficult cases.
- Edward J. Gudeman is the founder and managing attorney of our law firm. He first began his career in bankruptcy before moving into other areas of the law, including probate. He understands how financially stressful probate can be, and he uses what he has learned to help families today.
- Before joining our firm in 2022, Jon M. Silver spent nearly a decade practicing probate and estate planning. He’s an experienced litigator and estate planner, which he leverages when working on probate cases.
The probate process can be extremely difficult, even when a loved one leaves behind a detailed will. Streamlining the process calls for working with our Warren probate lawyer. Find out how we can help today when you call Gudeman & Associates, P.C.!
