Probate and Estate Administration in Lancaster, Ohio
When individuals pass away, whether they have a will or not, their estates are required to undergo probate. This procedure involves confirming the validity of the will and resolving the estate’s affairs.
Until probate concludes, beneficiaries cannot access the property. Depending on the extent of the estate, this process can take several months or more than a year.
Probate can be a complex process, but legal help is available. Our Ohio probate and estate administration attorney can help you administer the estate. We are also available if you believe the administrator or executor isn’t acting in the estate’s best interest. Contact us today to discuss your case.
What Assets Don’t Go Through Probate?
Only some assets have to go through the probate process. Non-probate assets include:
- Assets inside of a revocable or irrevocable trust
- Jointly owned assets
- Assets with designated beneficiaries
- Transfer-on-death assets
Understanding Probate Processes in the Buckeye State
Lancaster, Ohio’s probate system features three main routes. Estates worth less than $50,000 (or under $100,000 with full spousal inheritance) qualify for simplified probate. Estates valued under $5,000 or matching funeral expenses are eligible for summary release from administration. Larger estates undergo standard probate.
So, if your estate doesn’t meet the criteria for simplified probate or a summary release from administration, it will undergo standard probate. This is a bit more complicated and might include legal contests.
A Lancaster, Ohio, estate administration and probate lawyer can protect your estate’s interests during the process.
Duties of the Estate Administrator or Executor
A person’s will can designate an estate executor. Without one, the court appoints an administrator, typically the surviving spouse. This individual’s first task is to verify the will. Following this, they catalog and assess the estate’s assets.
Next, the person must pay the taxes and debts. Once that is done, the executor or administrator will distribute the property.
While some administrators and executors choose to handle probate themselves, many find that hiring a trust administration and probate lawyer makes the process much easier. From legal challenges to record-keeping, our probate administration attorney can assist with every aspect of probate.
Resolving Will Challenges
Occasionally, will disputes emerge during probate proceedings. Individuals with proper legal standing and valid reasons can challenge a will. Our Lancaster, Ohio, probate and estate administration attorney is prepared to assist you whether you aim to contest or defend a will.
Executors and administrators can rely on our guidance to uphold a will in probate court. Conversely, if you need to challenge a will’s validity, we are here to help. Contact us today to understand your legal choices.
Understanding the Probate Timeline
The probate process, affected by estate size and legal factors, usually takes nine months to complete. However, consulting a Lancaster, Ohio, probate and estate administration lawyer can expedite matters. They’ll handle legal complexities and creditors, ensuring a smoother experience.
Your probate attorney will ensure that all probate law guidelines are followed and can handle legal and creditor challenges for you.
