Guidance during loss

Probate Process

The probate process is broken down into four main parts:

1. Opening the Estate
2. Notifying and Paying Creditors
3. Inventorying Estate Assets
4. Filing Annual and Final Accounts

Many clients encounter challenges in understanding the necessary forms and documentation required to obtain initial Letters Testamentary (for decedents who passed with a valid will), or Letters Administration (for those who died intestate, or without a will) to initiate the probate of their loved one’s estate.

We assist our clients in qualifying as the personal representative of the estate, streamlining the process to minimize unnecessary delays. Additionally, we can efficiently publish the required Notice to Creditors in the Clerk of Superior Court’s preferred publication and notify known creditors of the decedent’s passing. Our team provides guidance on the appropriate documentation for the inventory of both probate and non-probate assets, ensuring that all filings are approved by the Clerk of Superior Court. In the final step of the process, we aid our clients in preparing the estate’s accountings along with the requisite documentation for the Clerk’s internal audit.

Moreover, we utilize state-of-the-art software to identify the debts and assets of your loved one, which is particularly beneficial in cases where electronically stored data can be difficult to locate. Our team has access to major banks, financial institutions, life insurance companies, property records, and all three major credit bureaus, allowing us to provide accurate, real-time data that may not be readily accessible to the general public. This capability enables us to efficiently identify each asset, initiate its transfer, and settle claims, facilitating the timely distribution of inheritances to any heirs of the estate.