What is probate and trust administration?
Probate is the legal process of managing a decedent’s assets which weren’t owned jointly nor appointed to a particular beneficiary. In some instances, a summary administration may be used. James Johson can help a decedent’s family and other loved ones to navigate the complicated and often confusing probate procedures.
Trust Administration – Many people want to draft a trust so that after their death, a trustee can simply give out the assets assigned in the trust. In Florida, the trust code has specific regulations and deadlines that a trustee must follow when administering the trust. James Johnson and the legal firm can help a successor trustee to follow the law’s provisions when handling the trust.
Why Hire a Probate Attorney?
Probate can be a legal nightmare that is very complex and stressful for everyone involved. Often, multiple court dates are required. Also, the process includes filling out detailed forms that can seem daunting without a solid understanding of the legal regulations. A probate attorney can help you throughout this whole process. Here are some reasons why hiring a probate attorney can be beneficial.
They can save you time
Even when a probate case happens without any bumps in the road, it can still be a lengthy process (8-12 months to complete). Any mistakes or any errors in the paperwork can extend the court proceedings. Without the help of an experienced probate attorney, the case can last for years.
They can keep you organized and can help you correctly file the paperwork.
When you hire a probate attorney, they will handle all of the paperwork and can help you skip the courtrooms entirely. They can help the executor of the estate locate all of the deceased individual’s assets, obtain values for the estate’s properties and assets, collect any life insurance payouts, manage retirement plans, manage the deceased’s final bills and debts, handle upcoming taxes, sell the estate property, and manage the distribution process of assets, among other things.
They can help you navigate probate court difficulties
If complications arise, you’ll definitely want an experienced lawyer at your side. They can help you navigate issues regarding tax disputes, ambiguities in the will, probate disputes, debts, unfinished contracts, properties left to minors, and more.
How James Johson and His Team Can Help
When you hire James Johnson to work on your probate case, you can have peace of mind that your family’s affairs are being handled professionally and efficiently. To learn more about how we can help and to see if we are a good fit for you, schedule a free consultation today!
Why hire a trust attorney?
The legal requirements for drafting a trust can appear simple. However, one mistake can invalidate the trust entirely. Although there are DIY estate preparation programs online, they only tend to be helpful for individuals with little to no property, limited savings/investments, and a traditional family tree. In other words, unless your needs are extremely simple, the DIY approach probably won’t work for you. A better alternative is to hire a trust attorney. Here are a few ways that a trust attorney can help.
They can help ask the right questions
A trust attorney can help by asking the right questions to make sure you don’t miss anything important in your trust. When it comes to trusts, you don’t know what you don’t know. An experienced lawyer can help you overcome that obstacle.
They can help you navigate complex state laws
Trust attorneys like James Johnson can help you understand complicated state laws regarding who may serve as a personal representative, who can be a witness and how and where the witness should sign, the rules and procedures about signing documents, etc.
They are expert in handling any complications that may arise
Occasionally complications may arise. An experienced trust attorney can help navigate complex issues such as multiple marriages, business ownership, real estate ownership, having a relative with special needs, having minor children, a desire to give your estate to charity, substantial invested assets, etc.
Have questions about Trust Planning in Florida?
James Johnson, Elder Law Attorney, can help navigate you through the trust planning. He is well-known for making the process effective and straightforward. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (941) 747-1871.