Probate Administration Attorney in Chandler

Navigating the probate administration process can be daunting, especially when dealing with the emotional aftermath of a loved one's passing. Probate Administration is the legal process that occurs after a person's death, where their will is authenticated, debts are paid, and assets are distributed to the rightful heirs under court supervision. This process can be intricate, with many legal hoops to jump through. Hiring a skilled probate attorney can guide you through the probate administration process to ensure your loved one's assets are properly managed and distributed.

If you are going through a probate administration process, it's important that you contact an experienced attorney who can help. When you hire our law firm, you will have an experienced attorney with 20+ years of experience in the courts, handling probate administration cases. An experienced attorney will guide you through each step of probate administration, including the roles and responsibilities. We offer consultations to help you understand what your next steps need to be.

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What Clients Say
5 Stars

By the time I retained Mr. Williams the case had already gone to trial, and I thought I had lost. He was successful at having the fees reduced by approximately $180,000!

JACQUIE O.
5 Stars

I contacted Peter Williams the week discovery was due and three weeks before the trial. Within days he negotiated an agreement to participate in a settlement conference and to vacate the current dates for discovery and trial. Highly recommend this attorney if you are going anywhere near a courtroom.

TAMARA C
5 Stars

I spoke with Peter Williams and he was very helpful in his guidance and advice. His consultation was nearly 30 minutes and was gracious, understanding, and empathetic. Good listener, gave me time to explain my entire situation before he commented. Great guy, I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who has experience and still cares about practicing law and justice vs. strictly making money.

JOHN G.

Probate Administration Steps in Arizona

Arizona's probate administration process involves various complex steps with legal and practical challenges. A probate attorney can be an invaluable resource during this process, helping to ensure that all steps are completed correctly and efficiently. Here are some key steps that take place throughout the probate administration process:

  1. Filing the Petition: The process begins by filing a petition with the court to either admit the will to probate and appoint the executor (if there is a will) or appoint an estate administrator (if there is no will).

  1. Notification of Heirs, Creditors, and Public: After filing the petition, heirs, and creditors are notified, often involving publication in a local newspaper. Creditors typically have a limited period of time to file their claims against the estate.

  1. Inventory and Appraisal of the Estate: The executor or administrator must create a list of the deceased's property, which includes all real estate, stocks, bonds, business interests, other assets, and personal belongings. An appraiser may be assigned to assess the fair market value of certain assets.

  1. Payment of Estate Debt: The executor or administrator then decides which creditor's claims are legitimate and pays those claims from the estate. If there are insufficient funds in the estate, the executor/administrator might need to sell some of the estate assets to pay off the debts.

  1. Sale of Estate Assets: Depending on the circumstances and the specific instructions in the will, the executor may need to sell estate assets for reasons like paying off the deceased's debts, taxes, or administration expenses or because the will instructs to sell assets.

  1. Tax Returns: The executor/administrator must also file all necessary tax returns for the deceased, which might include federal and state estate or inheritance tax returns.

  1. Distribution of Assets to Heirs and Legatees: After all debts, taxes, and administration expenses have been paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the heirs according to the will or, if there is no will, under Arizona's laws of intestacy.

  1. Final Accounting and Discharge: The executor/administrator submits a final accounting that includes all income and expenses from the estate. If the court approves the final accounting, the executor/administrator will distribute any remaining assets and release them from their duties.

When dealing with probate administration, certain scenarios require special attention. First, always respect deadlines, like submitting a required court document within a 30-day window to prevent legal issues. Next, accuracy in documenting assets is crucial - for example, a comprehensive and correctly valued list of the deceased's properties and possessions is required. Should uncertainties arise, for instance, in asset distribution, it's wise to consult a probate attorney to avoid costly mistakes.

The Importance of the Executor: Roles and Responsibilities

An executor or a personal representative is pivotal in the probate administration process. This individual, often named in the deceased's will or appointed by the court if no will exists, is responsible for managing the decedent's estate and ensuring a smooth transition of assets to the rightful beneficiaries. 

Their duties encompass a broad range of tasks, such as the following:

  • Locating and Protecting the Deceased's Assets: The importance of safeguarding assets until they can be properly distributed.

  • Validating and Settling Debts: Understanding the process of notifying creditors, reviewing claims, and using estate funds to settle these debts.

  • Managing Day-to-Day Affairs: Detailing the executor's responsibility to manage the deceased's affairs during the probate process, including running a business, maintaining a property, and more.

  • Distributing Assets to Heirs and Beneficiaries: Explaining the process and order of distributing remaining assets according to the will or state law.

  • Dealing with Taxes: Discussing the executor's role in filing the deceased's final, personal income tax return and handling any estate taxes.

  • Maintaining Accurate Records: Highlighting the necessity of keeping detailed records of every transaction affecting the estate, as these records will be necessary for court review during the final accounting.

The executor of an estate is a role that requires integrity, diligence, and considerable time. The complexities inherent in these responsibilities are why many executors seek the guidance of an experienced probate attorney to navigate the process.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Attorneys Office's legal team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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