Probate is the practice of proving a will’s validity in court, handing out assets and property, and ensuring any outstanding debts are paid. Because probate is often a long and arduous process, having the assistance of an experienced estate planning attorney can help. In northeastern Iowa, many residents rely on the keen legal guidance provided by the team at Cronin Skilton & Skilton, P.L.L.C. This is especially important when faced with a complex will & probate issue, which can damage your legacy without the right assistance.

3 Steps of the Probate Process

Authenticating of Your Will

To ensure your will is valid (meaning that it adheres to applicable laws and was signed by you), the probate court will need to go through the authentication process. Fraud is a concern when it comes to will creation, as some wills might be created under duress or coercion. Additionally, a will might not have been signed by the person listed on it, which is why the court must go to great lengths to ensure its validity.

Finding Assets

Next, the court will be tasked with finding your assets. While this is a relatively straightforward process, for people who have assets in many different places, it can be a challenge. In this instance, an estate planning attorney can help track down unknown assets and ensure they are handed out according to the terms of the will.

Paying Off Debt

Any outstanding debts will also need to be paid during probate. Debts can be personal or stem from tax obligations associated with your estate. This underscores the importance of proper estate planning; in numerous cases, you can lessen your estate tax burden by proper planning. Otherwise, tax debt might be handed down to your heirs once they receive your property or assets.

At Cronin Skilton & Skilton, P.L.L.C., clients in Nashua and Charles City can trust in the guidance afforded by these skilled attorneys, no matter the size or scope of the legal issue in question. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with an estate planning attorney to learn more about the probate process, call (641) 435-2462 today. You can also visit their website for more information on their practice areas.