Our Probate Services
How We Help You
With two decades of probate experience, PBJ specializes in guiding individuals through the often challenging process of administering and settling a deceased person’s estate. We help validate wills to ensure assets are distributed accurately and provide support in resolving any disputes among beneficiaries. Additionally, we assist with managing the debts and taxes associated with the estate, making this emotionally charged process more manageable.
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Our comprehensive services cover everything from locating and inventorying estate assets to understanding and settling any debts and finally distributing the remaining proceeds. We recognize that every client’s estate needs are unique, and we take the time to understand your specific situation, simplifying the process and maximizing the value of the estate on your behalf.
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process that follows a person's death, involving the validation of their will, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. It may also include the appointment of an executor or administrator to manage the estate if one wasn't named in the will.
The executor or administrator, typically named in the will, is responsible for gathering the deceased's assets—such as bank accounts, real estate, and personal property—while notifying creditors and paying off any outstanding debts and taxes. The complexity of probate can vary depending on the estate's size and state laws.
If there is no will, state laws dictate how the estate is divided, usually among surviving relatives. The probate court ensures the process is fair and follows the law. Some assets, like jointly owned property or accounts with designated beneficiaries, may bypass probate, but many estates still require this legal procedure.
