If you've recently inherited an estate, you may believe that the last will and testimony should be sufficient enough to ensure that you receive everything that was left to you.  However, there are a number of different steps that must be taken so that the estate can be distributed properly.  Unless you've undergone intense training in estate law, or conducted hours of research on your own, you probably won't even know where to start. 

That's why it's so important that you hire a probate attorney. These legal professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that all bases will be covered. Use this information to learn more about why you should retain a probate attorney as soon as possible.

They Locate Assets

One of the main reasons why you need a probate attorney is so that they can help you locate assets. Some people fail to list certain assets in their last will and testimony. This could be for several reasons:tThey could have purchased the assets shortly before their death and simply didn't have time to list them, or they could have even forgotten about some asset that they own. If these assets are not accounted for, they will likely become state property.

Your probate attorney has access to the databases which contain ownership information. They will be able to inform you about assets that you may have had no clue that the deceased owned. This helps to increase the value of the estate and can be very beneficial to you.

They Help You Collect Life Insurance

Collecting life insurance can sometimes be a very tedious thing. Insurance companies don't usually just hand over a check once a life insurance policyholder is deceased. They go through their own investigative process to ensure that the cause of death was covered under the policy. The company will request a number of documents from you, including the death certificate, and any other information that can substantiate your claim to collect on the policy.

Instead of having to deal with this on your own, let a probate attorney do the work for you. They will work directly with the insurance company to expedite the process so you can have the funds you need to plan a proper funeral without having to cut into your grieving period to haggle over business matters.

Probate attorneys help to make what could be a very difficult time much more manageable. The next time you inherit an estate, contact a law firm such as Gruber & Associates, PC so you can receive the assistance you need.

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