We at Hull & Chandler understand how difficult it is when a loved one passes away.  Our goal is to not only provide you with our experience in handling probate and estate administration matters, but also compassion and the relief of knowing your matters are in good hands.

 

Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a person after death by resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person’s property and assets upon completion.  The probate process varies from state to state and can be complicated in North Carolina.  As such, it is our goal to simplify the process and ensure that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out properly, guide the administrator or executor properly and ensure all deadlines set by the state throughout the course of the administration of the estate are met.

The ultimate goal of the probate process is to prove the validity of the decedent’s will and pass his/her assets to the heirs of the estate.  This includes submitting wills to probate; locating assets; publishing notices to creditors and paying debts; and filing numerous notices, inventories and supporting documents with the Court throughout the process.  Failure to file the proper documentation with the Court in a timely manner can be costly and cause significant delays. 

Our estate attorneys understand the intricacies and various circumstances that make every estate different and the estate administration process unique.  The filings and documents required can vary depending upon whether the deceased died with a will or intestate (without a will).  Not all assets of the estate are subject to probate, some are considered non-probate assets.  There are also certain deadlines and types of debts that affect creditor obligations and liabilities of the estate.  In addition, even the decedent’s cause of death can affect some of the filing requirements.

The estate administration process can be a lengthy one.  From the time the estate is opened, it can take anywhere between four months to a year for the estate to be closed.  It is a long process since the estate cannot be closed with the Court until all claims against the estate have been resolved and all pending assets have been re-titled or dissolved.  Said process can even take years depending on the number of pending assets and/or claims belonging to the deceased.

At Hull & Chandler, we ensure we are here from the very beginning to assist the personal representative (administrators and executors) throughout the course of the administration process.  We also know that it is important to work one-on-one with your attorney in handling these matters.  For more information about the probate and estate administration process, contact one of our attorneys here or at 704-375-8488.