Execute Your Loved One's Estate with Confidence
When a person dies, the estate plan of that person needs to be administered and the assets of their estate need to be distributed accordingly. Probate and estate administration also include the collection and management of an estate and the payment of any debts owed by the decedent. Probate administration is often complicated — is sometimes contentious — and having an experienced estate planning and probate lawyer on your side can help you complete the process with confidence.
By hiring an attorney to supervise and assist in the administration process, you can prevent mistakes that could come back to cause problems later on and can have an advocate on your side in case litigation is necessary. At my firm, I, Norm Sandvoss, provide assistance and counsel for clients in probate administration and litigation in the state of Ohio. For more than 40 years, I have worked with families to resolve differences and complete the administration process as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Did you know? — If the terms of the will or the distribution of the estate are being contested, or if you are the heir to a contested will, Ravenna attorney Norm Sandvoss can represent you in court and advise you on the best legal course to take.
Steps in the Probate Administration Process
There are several steps in the administration of an estate that must occur in order to complete the process properly. These steps include:
- Managing the estate: A personal representative or executor must be appointed to manage the estate. This representative may be nominated by the decedent or appointed by the court.
- Identifying and documenting the estate: All assets of the decedent must be inventoried and all creditors must be notified of the person's death. If probate assets are sufficient, all remaining debts should be paid off.
- Estate distribution: Once all debts have been paid, remaining assets are distributed according to the will or trust. If there is no will or trust, state laws will determine how the administration will take place.
Completing these steps is not always easy and may require a thorough investigation into the assets, debts and beneficiaries of the decedent. My firm will help you complete the probate administration process as easily and smoothly as possible.
Learn More Information About Estate Administration in Ohio
If your loved one has passed on and you need assistance with the administration of the estate, or if you are the personal representative of the estate, contact me, Norm Sandvoss, to learn more about the process. Call to schedule a consultation at 330-577-5126 or toll free at 877-462-4817.
