Most people give little thought to estate law until they need a probate attorney. However, these professionals handle the legal process of validating a decedent’s will, taking asset inventory, and paying creditors and applicable taxes. If you are working on a will or a loved one has recently passed, and you’re facing complex issues, below is a quick outline of who these professionals are and what they do.

What Is a Probate Attorney? 

This attorney is a legal professional who focuses on probate law — an area concerning the myriad tasks and issues that arise following a person’s death. These lawyers advise executors and estate beneficiaries on how to settle the property, assets, and affairs of a loved one who has passed. 

What Are the Issues They Handle?

A probate attorney must be prepared to handle a variety of issues. They must understand how to minimize estate taxes through family partnerships and gifts to ensure that beneficiaries — not the government — receive the bulk of the property. They also deal with insolvent estates and creditors, handle legal guardian issues, and transfer the decedent’s title to real estate.

Also, parties with a legal financial interest in the property, including creditors, beneficiaries, children, or current and former spouses may contest a will. If a spouse or child has been excluded from the estate or not treated as favorably as other beneficiaries, they have the legal right to argue the will in probate. Sometimes the document is contested by family members who believe that too much is left to nonprofit organizations.

Serving clients in Chariton, IA, since 1980, the experienced probate attorneys at Shelton Law Firm will be your trusted allies in all matters of estate planning, bankruptcy, as well as family, tax, and real estate law. Known for their integrity and compassion, they offer sound counsel and will work to protect your best interests. Contact them online or schedule an appointment by calling (641) 774-5956.