Top Orange, CT Probate Lawyers Near You
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80 Plains Road, Essex, CT 06426
Other Nearby Offices
Brown Paindiris & Scott LLP, serving clients in the Orange, Connecticut area, a reputable legal practice for Probate issues.
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970 Farmington Ave, Suite 205, West Hartford, CT 06107
Get assistance for your Probate issue in the Orange, Connecticut area. Steier & McCormick, LLC can help.
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9 Lafayette Street, Milford, CT 06460
Minnella & Tramuta, LLC has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Orange, Connecticut.
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65 LaSalle Rd, Suite 217, West Hartford, CT 06107
Those confronted with Probate issues can connect with Law Offices of Linda K. Bertolette, LLC. This practice offers legal help to clients in the Orange, Connecticut area.
Probate Lawyers | Serving Orange, CT
165 West Main Street, P.O Box 150, New Britain, CT 06052
Get assistance for your Probate issue in the Orange, Connecticut area. The Law Offices of Januszewski McQuillan and DeNigris, LLP can help.
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693 Bloomfield Ave., Suite 200, Bloomfield, CT 06002
157 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Cityplace I, 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103
520 South Main St, Naugatuck, CT 06770
100 Pearl Street, 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
One Constitution Plaza, 5th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
59 Elm Street, Suite 230, New Haven, CT 06510
180 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770
250 Broad St, Milford, CT 06460
100 Pearl Street, 14th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
20 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103
100 Corporate Pl, Suite 210, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
420 E Main St, STE 10, Branford, CT 06405
83 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512
157 Church St, 12th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510
One State Street, Suite 1800, Hartford, CT 06103
336 State Street, Suite 1, North Haven, CT 06473
1308 Durham Rd., Madison, CT 06443
23 Woodland Rd, Suite C2, Madison, CT 06443
PO Box 291, Branford, CT 06405
Orange Probate Information
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Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Orange and checks their standing with Connecticut bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
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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.
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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 Orange?
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