Top Pendleton, IN Probate Lawyers Near You
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111 N. Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN 46032
Contact R. Lee & Associates, P.C. in Pendleton, Indiana for experienced legal assistance in Probate.
9247 N Meridian St, Suite 310, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Contact Grant & Grant in Pendleton, Indiana for experienced legal assistance in Probate.
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Probate Lawyers | Serving Pendleton, IN
Five Courthouse Plaza, Greenfield, IN 46140
Other Nearby Offices
Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Pendleton, Indiana.
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Probate Lawyers | Serving Pendleton, IN
244 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Connect with a proven Pendleton, Indiana law firm with experience helping clients with Probate issues.
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1905 South New Market Street, Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032
Choose Law Office of Curtis E. Shirley, LLC for qualified Probate representation in the Pendleton, Indiana area.
Probate Lawyers | Serving Pendleton, IN
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Connect with a proven Pendleton, Indiana law firm with experience helping clients with Probate issues.
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Virtual Appointments
10475 Crosspoint Blvd, Suite 250, Indianapolis, IN 46256
Representing clients with Probate issues in Indiana, Horvath & Pelkey, LLP, a reputable law firm based in Pendleton.
Se Habla Español
Virtual Appointments
289 South Main Street, Martinsville, IN 46151
Those seeking legal help with Probate can reach out to C&C. Coffin & Coffin, a local practice representing people in Pendleton, Indiana.
One Indiana Square, Suite 3500, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2023
8925 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46239
111 Monument Cir, Suite 4500, Indianapolis, IN 46204
3650 N Washington Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46205
3815 River Crossing Parkway, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240
10 E Main St, Suite. 200, Carmel, IN 46032
201 N Illinois St, South Tower, Suite 1600 | PMB 7272, Indianapolis, IN 46204
320 North Meridian Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204
8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46240
949 East Conner Street, Suite 200, Noblesville, IN 46060
600 East 96th Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240
10475 Crosspoint Blvd, Suite 217, Indianapolis, IN 46256
5837 Gloucester Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46220
8445 Keystone Crossing, Suite 106, Indianapolis, IN 46240
70 W Morgan St, Martinsville, IN 46151
10 W Market St, 2700 Market Tower, Indianapolis, IN 46204
500 East 96th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Pendleton Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Pendleton
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Pendleton and checks their standing with Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Pendleton?
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 Indiana?
- 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