Probate Attorneys in Bremerton
After the death of a loved one, the burden of probate can be daunting. Probate is the process by which assets are transferred from the deceased to their name beneficiaries. A probate attorney in Bremerton can help you navigate this difficult time. Northwest Strategy and Planning, PLLC offers experienced, dedicated probate attorneys/lawyers committed to protecting our clients’ best interests. From start to finish, our Bremerton probate lawyers will guide you through every step.
How Does a Probate Work?
Probate is a court-supervised legal process to settle an estate after someone has passed away. Probate aims to ensure that the deceased’s assets are distributed according to their wishes and that any debts and taxes they owe are paid.
Probate will include many steps depending on the size of the estate and other factors. Generally, it will involve:
Naming a Personal Representative (PR)
This will often be the executor of the estate, named in the deceased's will. The PR is responsible for filing paperwork to open a probate case with the court.
Send a Notice to the Creditors
The PR is responsible for notifying potential creditors of the deceased's death and inviting them to make any claims they have against the estate.
File an Inventory and Appraisal
This includes listing all assets, liabilities, and debts associated with the estate.
Transfer the Owner
Once the Inventory and Appraisal are filed, the PR will transfer ownership of assets to their new owners as indicated in the deceased's will or according to state law.
Distribute the Assets
After all, debts have been paid, the PR is responsible for distributing any remaining assets as laid out in the will. Depending on their needs and wishes, the estate's beneficiaries may receive their assets immediately or in installments.
Manage Trusts
Trust is a legal arrangement in which one person, the trustee, holds assets on behalf of another individual, the beneficiary. If a trust is part of the estate plan, it must be managed according to state law and overseen by the court.
Settle the Pending Tax Obligations
The PR is responsible for settling any tax obligations the deceased may have. This includes filing a final income tax return for the year in which the death occurred and considering any state or federal estate taxes due.
Payment to the Attorney and PR
After all the necessary steps have been completed and the court has approved the estate's distribution, the PR can pay for any legal fees associated with probate and their compensation for their services.
How Can Our Probate Services Help You?
Filing the Documents
We will prepare and file all the necessary documents to start the probate process. This includes court filings, estate tax returns, and other paperwork that must be completed before settling the estate.
Executing the Will
We will ensure your loved one's wishes are fulfilled by filing the proper documentation with the court. We will also help you and your family understand the terms of the will so that everyone knows their rights and responsibilities regarding the estate.
Asset Distribution
We will help you determine how assets should be distributed according to state and federal laws. This includes making sure that all debts are paid first and then distributing the remaining assets according to the wishes of your loved one. We will also assist in making sure that all heirs receive their appropriate share of the estate.
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.
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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.