Parker Probate Attorney

Parker Probate Lawyer

Without prior estate planning, probate can be a burdensome process for families. Following someone’s death in Colorado, the state’s probate courts will take steps to ensure that the decedent’s estate is settled in accordance with the deceased’s will or (if no will is present) laws of intestate succession. Many families rely on the services of a Parker probate attorney to guide them through that process.

The legal team at Burr Law helps families navigate the complex probate process. We also offer estate planning services that can reduce the need to go through probate. The process of closing an estate can be complicated, but having legal representation can make it far less time-consuming and burdensome.

Why Choose Burr Law?

If you have a rightful claim to part of an estate, you need legal representation who understands the state’s probate laws and how to protect your rights. In other cases, you may have a valid reason to fight someone else’s claim to your loved one’s estate.

Our founding attorney has extensive experience as a trial lawyer and negotiator. The probate process can take several months or longer. Having legal representation can greatly reduce the time commitments that you face during these proceedings. Our law firm can keep you fully updated on the probate process until the estate is settled.

If you are looking for an experienced estate planning attorney who can help your family reduce the need for probate through the creation of wills, trusts, and other legal documents, our office has the knowledge and experience to handle those matters as well.

What Can a Probate Attorney Do for Me?

The probate process can be very complicated. A probate attorney can guide you and your family members through the necessary procedures while making sure that all state laws are followed. These services can include guidance on estate administration, asset valuation, debt settlement, and resolving tax issues. Before an estate can be settled, all outstanding debts must be paid. Any money owed to the government (often through taxes) must be paid first.

A probate attorney can help with probate document preparation to make sure that all filings are accurate and in accordance with the law. Probate attorneys can also:

• Support executors as they fulfill their legal duties.
• Manage estate finances.
• Help minimize tax liabilities.
• Oversee asset distribution.
• Resolve disputes that may arise among beneficiaries.

Tips for Avoiding Probate Court

If you wish to help your family and loved ones avoid the time-consuming commitments of probate court, you can streamline the process of settling your estate by hiring an attorney who understands estate planning. An estate planning lawyer can review the assets, properties, and debts of your estate and help you plan for the future.

Certain types of trusts can shield your assets from probate court by passing ownership of property and assets to third parties. When you pass, those protected assets will automatically change ownership. Having a carefully worded will can greatly reduce how long your estate remains in probate.

Our lawyer can help you draft a will that clearly details your wishes after your death. Beneficiaries can be named, along with directions about which individuals or groups receive which portions of your estate. By having a will in place, you can ensure that the courts do not make important decisions about your estate for you.

FAQs

Do You Need an Attorney for Probate in Parker, CO?

You do not need an attorney for probate in Parker, Colorado, but having one can greatly reduce the time you have to spend in Colorado’s probate courts. Having an attorney can also protect your claim to inheritance. Without legal representation, you may not receive the parts of the estate that the decedent planned for you to inherit. If you are a close loved one of the deceased, you can rely on an attorney to oversee the settling of your loved one’s estate in accordance with the law.

What Does Probate Cost in Colorado?

The cost of probate in Colorado varies based on the case’s complexity. If the decedent’s will includes provisions for covering legal fees, these may be paid from the estate. Probate expenses can include court fees, attorney’s fees, and costs associated with hiring third parties to appraise the estate or manage its settlement. Estate planning offers one important means of reducing the cost of probate in Colorado.

How Long Does Probate Last in Colorado?

The length of probate can vary considerably. Any court case generally takes a few to several months to resolve. It is not uncommon for a probate case to take more than one year before the estate is settled.

One way you can greatly reduce the time that your or a loved one’s estate stays in probate is by hiring a probate attorney to go over important estate planning matters, such as drafting and executing a will. Having the right trust in place can prevent parts of your estate from having to go through probate at all.

Do All Wills Have to Go Through Probate in Colorado?

The majority of estates must go through probate. The only exceptions are estates that do not include real property and are valued at less than $50,000. If your estate is larger than that, it will have to go through probate, even if you have a will in place. Having a will greatly reduces the time that an estate remains in probate. A will is a crucial part of estate planning that communicates to the courts your wishes for who receives what portion of your assets and property.

Schedule Your Probate Court Consultation Today

Having an experienced probate attorney can simplify the probate process. Our founding attorney can protect your claim to an estate and ensure that your loved one’s wishes are honored during the probate process.

The services of a probate attorney can also be useful during your lifetime. Estate planning can protect your assets, help your family plan for situations where you may be incapacitated, and streamline the process of dividing your estate. Whatever your probate planning needs are in Parker, Burr Law is here to help. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.