Hi, my name is Denise Jomarron. Probate can be a long and overwhelming process, but it doesn't have to be. Today, I will be sharing five important tips to make the process smoother and stress-free.
Tip one: Have accurate information on all beneficiaries and interested parties. It's crucial to have up-to-date contact information on all interested parties and beneficiaries. These people must be listed in the pleadings filed at the inception of the probate case, and they must receive notice of the proceeding.
Tip two: Do not procrastinate. Life is unpredictable, and we've seen beneficiaries pass away during the probate proceedings, causing delays and the need to establish another probate to proceed with the first one.
Tip three: Maintain all important documents. Make sure to gather a comprehensive list of all necessary documentation to submit to the probate attorney, including the original certified death certificate, death certificates of deceased beneficiaries, the original last will and testament, a copy of the trust agreement, financial statements or records like bank statements, and any other relevant documents.
Tip four: Patience is key. Understand that there are certain things outside the team's control, such as delays in receiving checks from financial institutions or scheduling hearings with the court. The team is doing everything they can to move the case forward, but sometimes there are unavoidable delays.
Tip five: Hire an experienced probate attorney. It's essential to hire an attorney with experience in the county where the probate is being administered. This ensures they are familiar with local county rules, specific court requirements, and have appeared before the assigned judge. At Denise Jomarron Legal Group, we specialize in probate proceedings. If you need assistance, please call our office to schedule a consultation.