25 Questions a probate attorney will answer:

Probate Process

When is probate needed?

Why is probate necessary?

What is the probate process?

How long does probate take?

What are the costs involved?

Who is responsible in the probate process?

What does a probate attorney do?

Can I handle probate without a lawyer?

Wills

What if there is no will?

When is a will legally valid?

How can I find out if there was a will?

What happens if the will cannot be found?

What if someone objects to the will or contests it?

Why do we have to go through probate if there is a will?

Property

Does all of a decedent’s property have to go through probate?

What property is outside of probate?

What if the decedent owned land in more than one state?

Personal Representative

What is a personal representative, administrator, or administratrix?

What are the main duties of a personal representative?

I was named the executor in a will. Do I have to serve?

If I serve as an executor, do I get paid?

What happens if the personal representative fails to perform his or her duty?

Creditors

How are estate creditors handled?

Do beneficiaries have to pay creditors out of their own pocket if the estate is insolvent?

How are taxes handled in probate?