Bethard & Bethard’s experienced and caring attorneys make the succession process as quick and easy as possible
Losing a loved one is never easy. Navigating a highly complex legal process is likely the last thing you want to do after such a loss. Our estate and probate team can help and guide you throughout the succession process.
To make sure your loved one’s succession gets handled properly, you need an attorney who is experienced in this field. We help hundreds of families every year with succession issues, so it is likely that we have seen and dealt with the situation you are facing. Let our experience help make the succession process as easy and cost-effective as possible.
WHAT IS A SUCCESSION?
Often referred to as Probate, the succession is the process of transferring property of a deceased person to the heirs if there is no will, or to the legatees if the deceased left a Last Will and Testament. The term “probate” is often used interchangeably with the term “succession.”
When a loved one passes away, there are many questions that must be answered to figure out the best method to complete a succession. The first question is whether or not there is a valid Will. If there is a valid will, the document will need to be analyzed to determine who will inherit from the decedent. There are many rules that apply when interpreting a will and figuring out how the assets will be distributed, so it is important to involve an attorney in the process.
Additional questions that must be answered include:
- If there is no will, who are the heirs and are they cooperative?
- What are the assets and debts in the estate?
- Are any of the assets co-owned with someone else?
- Do you want to sell or keep the assets?
All these questions will help determine if the estate needs to be administered or if it can be opened and closed quickly.
We ask these questions to ensure we use the correct legal method to give our clients the most straightforward and efficient path to complete their loved one’s succession.
VARIOUS SUCCESSION PROCEDURES
The best way to complete a succession is to start with the end in mind. By determining what you want to accomplish and working with that goal in mind, we can determine the best course of action for handling the succession.
Generally speaking, when there is no Last Will and Testament, the more cooperation there is between heirs, the smoother and more cost-effective the succession process will be. The opposite is also true. If the heirs are not cooperative, the succession will have more procedural requirements. This increases the time the succession is open, as well as the cost.
OUR ESTATE AND PROBATE TEAM IS HERE TO HELP
Every succession is different. To make sure your loved one’s succession gets done properly, you need an experienced attorney. Bethard and Bethard has been in business for over 100 years. With those years of experience, we can ensure that the succession is done right the first time. Our estate and probate team will guide you through every step of the succession process with compassion and understanding. Call us to today and let our experience work for you.
The information provided in this booklet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the law is constantly evolving, and this booklet may not reflect the most current legal developments.
Please contact Bethard and Bethard, LLC to set up a confidential consultation with an attorney for advice regarding your individual legal situation.