Probate & Estate Administration

Our Probate & Estate Administration services offer compassionate and efficient guidance for clients managing the legal complexities of an estate. From ensuring the proper execution of wills to handling disputes over inheritance, our attorneys are skilled in navigating the intricate probate process with the utmost professionalism and care. We aim to ease the burden on families during difficult times, ensuring that assets are distributed according to the wishes of the deceased and in compliance with French estate law.

What Is Probate?

Probate is a court process that takes place after someone passes away. The person who has passed is referred to as the decedent. During this process, the validity of the decedent’s will is established, the wishes the decedent expressed in their will are carried out, and any outstanding debts the decedent left behind are repaid from their estate. 

When Is Probate Required?

It isn’t always necessary for a decedent’s estate to pass through the probate process. Many people think the requirement depends on whether the person has a will or not, but that isn’t the case. The presence of a will only determines how the process will work. If the person had a will, the process is governed by the wishes expressed in the document. If they didn’t, state law dictates what will happen.

Probate is required if the decedent has assets or property with only their name on the title or if they have rights to an asset or property – for example, a house, car, stock, bond or bank account.

Probate isn’t required when the decedent only holds certain probate-exempt assets. These include revocable trusts; accounts with designated beneficiaries, pay on death or transfer on death clauses; and real estate owned under joint tenancy.

Do You Need An Attorney For Probate?

While it’s not required, having an attorney guide you through probate can make the process easier, faster and error-free. That translates into significant savings in both time and money. Losing a loved one is hard enough, so we strive to take the stress and burden of probate off of grieving families so they can focus their energy on what’s important to them.

Handling Administration Complications For You

We know how to handle complications that may arise in administering the estate. A steady and knowledgeable attorney can often make a complicated process go more smoothly, particularly when the will or trust is contested, or other disputes need resolving.