Top Berwick, ME Probate Lawyers Near You
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279 York Street, York, ME 03909
Other Nearby Offices
Connect with a proven Berwick, Maine law firm with experience helping clients with Probate issues.
1 Union Street, Suite 501, Portland, ME 04101
PO Box 6847, Scarborough, ME 04070
477 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
One City Center, Suite 11100, Portland, ME 04101
220 Middle Street, PO Box 4600, Portland, ME 04112
75 Pearl Street, Portland, ME 04101
53 Exchange Street, Suite 400, Portland, ME 04101
200 Middle Street, Suite 901, Portland, ME 04101
Merrill's Wharf, 254 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
11 Main St, Suite 4, Kennebunk, ME 04043
261 US Route 1, Suite 201, Falmouth, ME 04105
2 Monument Square, Suite 400, Portland, ME 04101
Four Canal Plaza, PO Box 7950, Portland, ME 04112
226 York St., PO Box 836, York, ME 03909
100 Middle Street, PO Box 9729, Portland, ME 04104-5029
48 Free St, Suite 260, Portland, ME 04101
136 Commercial Street, Fourth Floor, Portland, ME 04101
84 Marginal Way, Suite 600, Portland, ME 04101-2480
Two Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101
200 Middle St, Suite 1001, Portland, ME 04101
56B Maine St., Brunswick, ME 04011
194 Main St, PO Box 29, Freeport, ME 04032
2 Monument Square, Seventh Floor, Portland, ME 04101
11 Main St, Ste. 5, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Berwick Probate Information
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Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Berwick and checks their standing with Maine 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.
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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 Maine 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 Maine 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 Berwick?
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 Maine?
- 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