Lakewood, NJ Probate Lawyers

If you are searching for a probate attorney because you recently lost a loved one, our condolences go out to you. Although the probate process can be confusing and emotionally draining, a caring and informative counselor can make the process simpler and less burdensome! 

If you want an ally on your side to help you through the process, the Law Offices of Patel & Cardenas are here to assist. Our knowledgeable Lakewood probate lawyers are here to help guide you each step of the way to make it a smoother experience for you and your family. Please contact us for a free consultation.

What Is Probate and Why Is It Necessary?

Probate is a legal process through which a person’s estate is settled after death by proving a will, identifying and inventorying their assets, paying bills, and distributing property to the legal heirs and beneficiaries. When a deceased person dies without a will, probate is also the way in which their affairs are settled by the court to ensure that their estate is settled fairly across the board.

This process can be complex and emotional if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Our Lakewood probate lawyers will help resolve the affairs of your loved one so you can focus on what’s important—moving forward.

Common Probate Challenges 

Often the most stressful aspect of a probate case tends to be when unexpected issues arise. Maybe family members are squabbling over the will, documents can’t be located, or other issues surface that the executor has to deal with when they have a million other things they are trying to do in order to bring an estate to a close. If you don’t have the right help, unexpected issues can add weeks or months to the probate process. Sometimes, they can mean a long and expensive lawsuit.

Here are some common issues our clients face:

• Beneficiary disputes: Sometimes family members disagree about what and how to distribute an estate, which can cause stress and can be delayed by the legal system. 
• Missing or misinterpreted documents: Missing or misinterpreted documents have the potential to impede or even completely derail the probate process. 
• Estate debt: Deciding who needs to get how much money in what type of taxes (estate, inheritance, etc.) as well as what creditors need to get paid how much.

These difficulties may seem insurmountable, but the attorneys at the Law Offices of Patel & Cardenas are familiar with them and will help you overcome them with compassionate, caring counsel at every stage of the process. 

Trust the Law Offices of Patel & Cardenas to Lighten Your Load

We realize that you face difficult decisions at a very difficult time, including what to do about the probate process. Of course, you have the option of doing it yourself. As with many unpleasant tasks, you can choose to tackle it yourself and take a long walk into a complex minefield you’re not prepared to enter—one that will consume your time, energy, and resources and will lead to expensive mistakes that will delay your grief. 

Alternatively, you can have this complex process completed for you by someone who has spent years mastering the probate process, saving you time and stress, and ensuring that it is done right!

Let us alleviate this burden for you. We will listen to your concerns, and we will help you with your personal situation to allow you to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Call us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does probate take in Lakewood?

The length of the probate process varies depending on the complexity of the estate, the presence of a will, and whether there are disputes among heirs. Simple cases may take just a few months, while more complex cases can extend over a year. Our Lakewood probate lawyers can give you a more accurate estimate after reviewing your specific case.

2. Do I need a probate lawyer if there’s a will?

Even if there is a will, probate may still be necessary to ensure that the estate is administered properly and in accordance with the law. A probate lawyer can help ensure the will is valid, debts are settled, and the assets are distributed correctly.

3. What happens if there’s no will?

If there is no will, the estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws. This can be a complex process, especially if there are multiple heirs or disagreements over the distribution. Working with a probate lawyer can help ensure that the process is handled fairly and efficiently.