At one point or another, we all hear about probate attorneys, but it's not something we ever think about until we're faced with the inevitable. What does a probate lawyer in Miami do anyway? What makes a probate attorney and when do you need one?
What is a Miami Probate Attorney?
Probate attorneys manage the filing of a deceased person's last testament or will, and they also handle estate planning. Because many disputes can arise from the disposition of property after someone passes, a probate lawyer will act as an estate or trust lawyer.
Unfortunately, most people don't even consider finding a probate lawyer in Miami until someone has died. This means there is usually a sense of urgency to hire an attorney and not much time spent shopping around for an experienced and qualified lawyer.
It's important to understand that probate law may be very simple or convoluted, time-consuming and confusing, and it all depends on how much estate planning the deceased did while they were alive. This is also why it's a good idea to consider hiring a Miami estate planning attorney, or probate attorney, while you are still alive to plan for the distribution of your estate and the care of your minor children, among other things.
What Does a Miami Estate Planning Attorney Do?
A probate attorney in Miami will help you put together your will to give you peace of mind and give family members some security if you pass away. A probate lawyer will also help you with trust planning, powers of attorney and medical powers of attorney to get your affairs in order.
Another overlooked aspect of estate planning is asset protection and tax reduction, which is very important if you're planning to pass on your estate to your children or other loved ones. A probate lawyer will make sure documents are prepared and filed with the probate court to speed up the probate process after death and ensure income tax issues and retitling are dealt with quickly to help your family when they need it most.
Probate attorneys also represent heirs, guiding them through the probate process to locate and secure assets, obtain death values and appraisals of the decedent's property, collect the proceeds of any life insurance, roll over retirement plans, advise regarding the payment of outstanding debts, determine if any estate and gift taxes are due, address final income tax issues, assist with the sale of estate property, retitle the decedent's assets and much more.
While no one enjoys thinking about their own death, it is inevitable and planning can not only give you peace of mind but ensure your loved ones are looked after.
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