Top Wheeling, WV Probate Lawyers Near You
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Bennett Square, 2100 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
2001 Main Street, Suite 501, Wheeling, WV 26003
1233 Main Street, Suite 4000, Wheeling, WV 26003
1233 Main St., Suite 3000, PO Box 751, Wheeling, WV 26003-0751
1144 Market Street, Suite 400, Wheeling, WV 26003
2108 Lumber Avenue, Suite 4, PO Box 2069, Wheeling, WV 26003-0280
1219 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
1225 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
Wheeling Probate Information
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Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Wheeling and checks their standing with West Virginia bar associations.
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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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Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
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What Is Probate?
Probate is the process through which assets from a deceased person’s estate are transferred to beneficiaries, such as spouses, children, and other loved ones. In plain terms, reading a person’s will and distributing the items contained in it is part of the probate process. In some states, probate courts also handle matters related to guardianships and conservatorships of children or disabled adults.
What Happens if You Don’t Do Probate?
Without an estate plan in place, the probate process will often still go forward, but it can get messier. Someone who dies without a will in place will often have their assets given to any survivors, even if that would have gone against their wishes. Court battles can unfold among relatives who feel like they deserve more.
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.
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.