Raszewski Law PC

After an individual passes away, the process of settling debts, transferring or distributing assets, and finalizing the individual’s legal affairs is generally known as estate administration. In many cases, this requires formally opening an estate through the Register of Wills, a process commonly referred to as probate. However, a formal estate may not always be necessary to transfer assets. For example, a formal estate may not need to be opened if (1) assets are held in a trust, (2) the value of the assets falls below the statutory threshold, allowing a Small Estate Petition to be filed after payment of debts and Inheritance Taxes, or (3) all assets have beneficiary designations or are held jointly with rights of survivorship. During your initial free consultation, we can evaluate your specific circumstances and determine the most cost-effective and appropriate option available.

The duration of probate depends on several factors, including the estate's complexity, whether beneficiaries or creditors raise disputes, and the court's scheduling. Most estates move through probate within several months to more than a year. An experienced probate attorney can help streamline the process and reduce unnecessary delays.