How many estates have you probated?
You need an attorney who has probated estates before and who knows the potential twists and turns that can delay the efficient handling of an estate. Can this attorney spot possible problems with the will or with the kinds of assets in the estate or with the beneficiaries of the estate? Does the attorney offer possible solutions to these issues?
Can you handle all aspects of the estate administration?
Does the attorney handle the sale of a house or of stocks? Does the attorney know how to liquidate savings bonds? What about taxes? Is the attorney able to prepare the tax returns or does he or she have an associate they work with who will prepare them? What will happen if there is a business involved? Does the attorney oversee the day to day administration, including setting up the estate bank accounts, paying the bills of the estate or debts of the decedent, inventorying the assets, preparing an account of all activity in the estate? Or do I do this myself? And what about assets that are located in other states – can this attorney help you handle these?
What will happen if there are disputes among the beneficiaries of the estate?
What will the attorney do to resolve disputes among the beneficiaries over issues such as who will take the house and will someone have to pay rent to live in the house during the administration of the estate? How will the personal property be divided among the beneficiaries if they cannot reach an agreement about it?
How long will it take you to complete the administration of the estate?
How long does it ordinarily take for the attorney to have the executor appointed? How long does it usually take before the estate is settled and closed? Is the attorney aware of time deadlines set by statute for administering an estate? What will the attorney do to make sure that the estate moves along at a reasonable pace and is concluded in a manner that all of the beneficiaries can agree to?
Stop by our Elmwood Village office, or schedule a consultation by phone: 716-881-3010 You can also reach us via email .