Oro Valley Probate Lawyer

What is Probate?

Probate refers to the administration of an estate after a person has died.  The probate process applies to both those who have died with or without a will.  It also applies to a person who has died having a trust, but only with respect to the assets not held by the trust.

The Probate Distribution Process

The probate distribution process generally consists of the following:

• Gathering or accounting for all assets owned by the decedent
• Having any final tax returns prepared and filed
• Paying all legitimate debts of the decedent from all assets of the decedent (NOTE – the personal representative only needs to pay debts to the extent that there are sufficient assets to do so – the personal representative does not need to pay debts out of their own pocket)
• Distributing the remaining assets in accordance with the will or intestate distribution laws
• Filing the appropriate documentation with the court

How I Help

If you’ve been named as a personal representative, I understand that you may have many questions about your duties.  I will be there throughout the process to answer your questions, and to undertake much of the work that is required.  For instance, in matters such as real property transfers, I will prepare and have recorded the required deeds.

Please call me to learn how I can help you through this process.