After the death of a loved one, family members left behind will have the responsibility of settling his or her estate. This means selling or distributing remaining assets, maintaining property, paying off debts and more. In many situations, one required step in settling a Nevada estate is probate. This is a legal process that involves validating a will and following the instructions left behind by the decedent.
Expectations for the probate process
Probate can be a complex process, and an executor, who is an individual named in the will and then appointed by the probate court, will oversee it. The executor has the responsibility of taking the first steps in the probate process, which include finding the will, filing it with the court and notifying beneficiaries of the estate. He or she will also locate the assets held by the estate and ensure they are assigned a proper value.
After paying off debts and taxes associated with the estate of the deceased, the executor will oversee the distribution of assets as outlined in the terms of the will. Many people want to avoid probate because of a lack of privacy, concern over the terms of the will, the capability of the executor and more. Disputes during the administration of an estate can lengthen the probate process.
Help at every step
Probate can be complicated, and a Nevada family may feel intimidated by what is ahead. This is one reason why they may benefit from the experienced guidance of a knowledgeable estate law attorney. This process may be inevitable, but having knowledgeable counsel may allow a family to avoid unnecessary difficulties and setbacks.