Probate Attorneys in Bellevue
The death of a family member is always difficult, but when you have to deal with the legalities and paperwork involved with probate, it can feel like you’re being buried under a never-ending mound of red tape. That’s where we come in. At Northwest Strategy & Planning PLLC in Bellevue, WA, our team of experienced probate attorneys can help take some of the burden off of your shoulders. We will handle all of the legal details involved in probate so that you can focus on grieving and moving on with your life.
What Is Probate?
Steps in the Probate Process
Name a Personal Representative
The court will appoint a personal representative to handle the estate. This is often the person named in the decedent’s will or their closest relative if they did not have a will.
Notify the Creditors
The personal representative must notify the deceased's creditors and settle any debt owed by the estate.
Transferring or Selling the Ownership of Assets
The personal representative must transfer or sell ownership of all the assets in the estate. This includes real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, and more.
Give Away Beneficiaries
The personal representative must then distribute the assets to the beneficiaries named in the will.
Paying Taxes
Any taxes owed by the estate must be paid. This includes income, inheritance, and other taxes that may be due.
Dissolving Trusts and Closing Accounts
Trusts are the personal representative's responsibility, who must dissolve and close any accounts associated with the estate.
Final Accounting
The personal representative then files a final accounting with the court, which must be approved by the beneficiaries for the process to end.
What Does a Probate Attorney Do?
Filing the Necessary Documents
To start the probate process, certain documents must be filed with the court. These include the will (if there is one), death certificate, and testamentary letters (also called Letters of Administration). An experienced probate attorney will know exactly which documents must be filed and will ensure that they are submitted correctly and on time.
Notifying Beneficiaries and Creditors
Once the necessary paperwork has been filed with the court, the next step is to notify all interested parties—including beneficiaries and creditors—of the death and impending probate proceedings. This needs to be done promptly so that everyone has ample opportunity to present any claims against the estate or object to the distribution of assets.
Handling Debt and Tax obligations
Before any assets can be distributed to beneficiaries, all outstanding debts must be paid. In addition, any taxes owed by the estate must also be settled. This includes both state and federal taxes. An experienced probate attorney will ensure all debt and tax obligations are paid in full before moving forward with asset distribution.
Distributing Assets to Beneficiaries
Once all debts have been paid and taxes have been taken care of, the remaining assets can then be distributed to beneficiaries according to the terms outlined in the will (if there is one). If there is no will—or if the will is deemed invalid by the court—then assets will be distributed according to state law.
Why Choose Us?
Our team of experts is highly experienced and knowledgeable. We have extensive industry experience and understand our client’s needs. Our goal is to provide quality services tailored to meet each customer’s needs.
At Northwest Strategy & Planning in Bellevue, WA, our team of experienced probate lawyers can help take some of the burden off your shoulders. We will handle all of the legal details involved in probate.
Proudly serving the following areas and surrounding communities:
Get Started Now
We accept clients on a rolling basis to avoid unnecessary delays. We conduct intakes by phone, client meeting over zoom and meet in-person to sign and notarize the final product of our work.