It’s been said that the only things certain in life are death and taxes.  Unfortunately sooner or later we all will experience the loss of a loved one.  When a loved one passes away, someone has to settle their estate, pay their bills, and distribute their property. These things must be done whether the deceased had the foresight to have an attorney draft a will clearly stating his wishes or died without leaving a will (intestate).  A reasonable way to approach the process is by consulting a probate attorney.  Here are a few items you should take to your appointment with a probate lawyer.

Preparing for Your Probate Attorney Appointment

Collect Documents

You should have a certified copy of the death certificate, which can usually be obtained from the funeral home or from South Carolina Vital Records if needed.  You should also take the decedent’s will and all financial records you can find to your appointment.  These records may include bank statements of checking and savings accounts, credit cards, tax records, insurance policy information, loan information, retirement plan information, etc.

Compile Lists

You should prepare a list of all family members, including spouses, children, brothers and sisters, and parents. Include their names, addresses, and other contact information, whether they are named in a will or not. You should attempt to inventory the deceased’s property at their home and other locations, such as an office or vacation property. 

Gather Assets & Debts

Probate attorneys need to know the location and amounts of the deceased’s assets, such as financial accounts, real estate, stocks, bonds, and potential wrongful death claims. You should note that Social Security checks received after your loved one’s passing must be returned to the government.

The Law Offices of Adrian L. Falgione, LLC in Lexington, SC, offers compassionate and efficient representation in probate matters throughout the Midlands region. If your loved one passed away, you will receive personalized attention and sound counsel from an experienced attorney. Contact Attorney Falgione online now about your probate and estate questions, or call (803) 957-6543 to schedule a consultation.