Probate and Estate Administration in Worthington
When an individual passes away, their estate must go through probate whether or not there’s a will in place. This process validates the will and addresses all aspects of settling the estate.
Until probate is completed, beneficiaries cannot inherit any property, which could mean waiting several months or even more than a year if the estate is substantial.
Probate can be a complex process, but legal help is available. Our Worthington 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
Types of Probate in Worthington
In Worthington, Ohio, the probate system features a trio of options. Simplified probate serves estates under $50,000 or $100,000 with complete spousal inheritance. Summary release applies to estates below $5,000 or equal to/below funeral costs. Estates surpassing these limits enter formal probate, a more detailed process open to legal contestation.
Our Worthington estate administration and probate lawyer can help protect your estate’s interests during the process.
What’s Required of The Administrator or Executor?
Your will can specify an executor. However, without one, the probate court will name an administrator, commonly the surviving partner. That person must then confirm the will’s validity, create an asset list, and determine the asset’s values.
Next, he or she must pay the taxes and debts on the estate. 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 Worthington probate administration attorney can assist with every aspect of probate.
Guidance Through Will Disputes
Will disputes can sometimes arise in the probate process. Those with the right legal standing and reasons can contest a will. Our Worthington, Ohio, estate administration attorney is ready to help, whether defending or disputing a will.
If you’re an executor or administrator, we’ll support you in defending the will in court. Alternatively, we can assist you if you need to dispute a will. Contact us today to explore your legal paths.
Timeline and Your Attorney’s Role
You should expect the probate timeline to last approximately nine months. However, the length varies depending on the size of the estate, any legal challenges that may arise during the process, and any other issues.
Our Worthington probate attorney will follow all probate law guidelines and handle legal and creditor challenges for you.
