Yakima Probate Lawyers
There are financial and legal issues that remain when a person dies, and these loose ends need to be wrapped up to get closure for the decedent’s life. The process for doing so is called probate, and a wide range of Washington State laws dictate how it works. Estate administration is handled by the executor named in a will or a personal representative appointed by the court if there is no will. There are numerous tasks involved with the process to see it through to the end.
You could be an interested party in a probate case in different ways, as an administrator, heir, beneficiary, or creditor. When you want to ensure your rights are protected in the process, it is critical to get legal help. Moulton Law Offices has represented many clients with estate administration, so we are ready to take on challenges. Please contact our firm to set up a case evaluation with a Yakima probate lawyer who can explain specifics, but you may benefit from a summary.
How Probate Works
Every case is different, but estate administration generally follows a basic process. Upon the decedent’s passing, a probate case is opened. From there:
- The judge will appoint a personal administration, either someone named as executor in the will or a family member in an intestate estate.
- The administrator collects information about the deceased person’s assets, debts, and other financial matters.
- Through estate administration tasks, the representative pays creditors, distributes assets to beneficiaries, and carries out any other requirements by law or will.
- The personal administrator finalizes all estate related tasks and closes the probate case.
Duties of the Personal Administrator
From the above description of the probate process, you can get an idea of what the estate representative is required to do. There is significant paperwork, recording keeping, and organization involved with performing these tasks. The administrator will also be required to attend court for certain hearings and address concerns of interested parties.
Reasons You Need Legal Help
If you are the executor or personal administrator, retaining counsel is critical. You stand in the position of a fiduciary, which carries important duties of loyalty and confidentiality. Moulton Law Offices represents estate administrators to ensure they complete their tasks while still complying with the legal obligations.
Our Washington estate administration lawyers also assist other interested parties in probate matters. If you are an heir to an intestate estate with a dispute, we can help you resolve conflict through settlement or court action. We can also help with will contests, disagreements among beneficiaries, and claims about breach of fiduciary duty against the administrator.
A Yakima Probate Attorney Will Help You Navigate the Proceedings
If you are involved in an estate in any capacity, you can see why legal representation is critical for protecting your interests. Our team at Moulton Law Offices is experienced in handling probate matters, so we will support you throughout the process. Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a Washington estate administration lawyer.
