Probate can be a complex process, but with Great Lakes at the helm, it becomes a journey navigated with clarity and care. We handle estate settlement from validating wills to asset distribution, ensuring every step is transparent and aligned with the decedent's wishes. Let us guide you through the intricacies of probate, offering a compassionate, comprehensive service that honors your loved one's legacy.
Our Specialities
Asset Solutions
Estate Planning
Medicaid Crisis Planning
& More
What Is Probate?
Understanding the Essentials of Probate
Probate is a court process for distributing estate assets after a person passes away. This process varies in oversight and can be unsupervised or supervised. In unsupervised probate, an appointed estate administrator is responsible for managing assets, repaying debts, and fulfilling other essential duties like filing tax returns and distributing assets to heirs.
If issues arise regarding the estate's administration, the court may intervene, necessitating supervised probate. In such instances, a probate judge is required to approve all actions concerning the estate’s administration, providing an additional layer of oversight to ensure fairness and adherence to the law.
Every Estate Is Unique
Navigating Probate Duties After a Loss
Will
Locate and file decedents' will (if he or she had one) with the local court
Documents
File necessary probate documents with the court
Creditors
Ascertain and then notify all known creditors of the estate
Personal Property
Secure the descendant's residence and tangible personal property
Assets & Accounts
Locate, inventory, custody, close and transfer personal assets and accounts
Appraisals
Appraise and determine the value of all assets
Payments
Make payments to creditors, discharge the decedent’s obligations and obtain creditor releases
Life Insurance
Process and obtain life insurance death benefits, if any
Tax Returns
File tax returns (federal and state) and make appropriate tax elections
Final Taxes
Pay estate taxes and final personal income taxes, if any
Tax Releases
Obtain tax releases and closing letters from the IRS, local courts and state taxing authorities
Distributions
Make specific bequests, together with partial and final distributions, to beneficiaries.
Details
Provide detailed accounting to beneficiaries and the local court
We Can Handle It For You
As you can well imagine, accomplishing all of this takes a great deal of time. When you factor in the grief that comes with losing a loved one, the situation can seem overwhelming.
You do not have to go through probate alone. We can guide you through the process and settle the estate as quickly and economically as possible, so you can focus on what is most important—coming to terms with your loss.
Contact us at your earliest convenience for a personal meeting to discuss your particular situation. You are not alone during this difficult time in your life.