Probate is the legal process for reviewing the assets of a deceased person and determining heirs. A probate proceeding is not always required but it is often necessary when the deceased left a will or assets of high value. Except for assets with designated beneficiaries, everything that a person owned at the time of death is part of the estate and cannot typically be accessed without the court granting authority. Loved ones will not be able to access funds, property cannot be transferred, and debts will not be paid when an estate is in probate, creating a frustrating holding pattern that many people seek to avoid. To move forward with the probate process, a petition is filed in court to initiate the process, and the court will then appoint a personal representative to manage the estate.

Proceedings may be administered on a formal, informal, or even voluntary basis. Various factors, such as the size of the estate, whether the estate contains property in multiple states, the age of beneficiaries, how property is titled, whether a valid will exists, need to be taken into consideration during the probate process. This process can be complex and at times litigious, so engaging an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to navigate your family through the process is key! Our staff at the Law Office of Pamela J. Schaefer, P.C., has over 30 years of combined legal experience in various types of estate administration and we offer practical legal guidance and strategic advice while staying focused on your needs, goals, and circumstances. By providing our clients with undivided attention, we can help to successfully navigate you through the probate process and work to achieve your family’s desired result. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 617-494-0088 or email at officeadmin@pamelaschaeferlaw.com.