Probate
The legal procedure for managing the estate of a deceased person is called probate. It entails confirming the validity of the deceased person's will, locating and collecting their assets, paying their obligations and taxes, and then distributing the residual assets to their beneficiaries. The expert team at Stephen K Snavely Co. LPA in Defiance, OH, can assist you with your probate process. Probates are not always necessary, and not every estate goes through it. It depends on how assets were dealt with when the deceased was still alive.
How Long Does Probate Take?
Probate processes can vary in length depending on the estate. On average, probate takes anywhere from six months to a year to complete when going through each step. It's important to carefully review each step to ensure the professionals follow the process and don't miss anything.
What Are the Steps of the Probate Process?
The probate process has many steps, all of which must be done correctly. The professionals at Stephen K Snavely Co. LPA are trained to help you ensure that all steps have been followed in the correct order in a timely fashion. The steps include the following:
- Filing a petition with the court to open the estate.
- Identifying the deceased's assets.
- Paying outstanding debts or taxes of the deceased.
- Distributing any remaining assets to heirs.
- Closing the estate with the court.
To get started with the probate process, call
(419) 782-8846.