Top Fairfield, CT Probate Lawyers Near You
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266 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
Other Nearby Offices
When you need Probate help in Fairfield, contact Maya Murphy, P.C., an established Connecticut law firm.
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24 Delay Street, Suite 1, Danbury, CT 06810
Contact Baker Law Firm, P.C. in Fairfield, Connecticut for experienced legal assistance in Probate.
1220 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Those confronted with Probate issues can connect with Brian S. Cantor. This practice offers legal help to clients in the Fairfield, Connecticut area.
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9 Lafayette Street, Milford, CT 06460
Minnella & Tramuta, LLC has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Fairfield, Connecticut.
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265 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880
Get experienced Probate help from Richard H. Saxl, Attorney at Law, a reputable law firm in Fairfield, Connecticut.
1055 Washington Boulevard, Suite 510, Stamford, CT 06901
157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
1010 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06901
1000 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT 06604
215 Short Beach Road, Stratford, CT 06615
170 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901
520 South Main St, Naugatuck, CT 06770
One Landmark Square, 21st Floor, Stamford, CT 06901
33 Riverside Ave, 4th Floor, Westport, CT 06880
PO Box 291, Branford, CT 06405
43 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
1700 East Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, CT 06870
38C Grove Street, Suite 2F, Ridgefield, CT 06877
1 Landmark Square, Suite 1650, Stamford, CT 06901
777 Post Rd, 2nd Floor, Darien, CT 06820
1 Sound Shore Dr, Suite 204, Greenwich, CT 06830
5 Washington Ave, Sandy Hook, CT 06482
117 Tunxis Hill Road, Fairfield, CT 06825
281 Tresser Blvd, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06901
Fairfield Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Fairfield
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Fairfield and checks their standing with Connecticut bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Connecticut and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Connecticut and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Fairfield?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Connecticut?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts