Stress, lack of privacy, and fees are just a few of the inconveniences of going through the legal proceedings of probate administration. Adding the personal loss of a loved one makes it an even more difficult time. These are not ideal circumstances for family members who are left behind and required to settle their loved one's estate in open court.
The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier helps its clients to employ legal strategies that help them avoid a lengthy, expensive, public and time-consuming probate process by proactively establishing estate plans. While a last will and testament can ensure that an individual's estate assets (a deceased person's money and property) are distributed according to his or her wishes, it is also likely that probated estates become a matter of public record because wills are filed at the courthouse.
That means financial predators, will challengers and other curious people can simply go online or visit the courthouse to access information about your probate. You may be surprised at the number of people who come out of the woodwork if they believe there is money “up for grabs.”
Trusts, however, are never filed with a court, either before or after death, and probate courts are not involved in supervising your trust administration. So, you can avoid intrusions by busy bodies and predators by creating trust. While some state laws require a total or partial disclosure of information regarding the trust to beneficiaries, it is still the best way to keep your legal affairs private.
The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier has extensive experience with helping our clients with both the probate process and with designing estate plans that provide more privacy. Our estate planning attorney is available to discuss your specific circumstances and help you determine to decide the most fitting actions to take for you and your family. Contact our office today for a low-cost consultation.