Helping Executors, Administrator and Heirs Through a Difficult Time
The death of a loved one can be a devastating and difficult time. While working through the grieving process, you may feel the added stress of having to jump through legal and procedural hoops. You must obtain the death certificate, claim life insurance proceeds, as well as administer the estate, regardless of whether they had a will.
The whole process can be confusing, and the grief you feel certainly does not help bring clarification or ease. I am attorney Colleen Skole, and I work closely with clients throughout the Indianapolis, Indiana, area understand and work through the probate and estate administration process.
If you are a personal representative of an estate or an heir, rely on me for compassionate and knowledgeable counsel during a difficult period. Contact me online or call 317-569-9644 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.
Understanding Probate Administration
Probate administration is the legal process of distributing a deceased's property according to their will, or, if there is no will, according to Indiana law on intestate succession. In Indiana, an estate may go through the probate whether or not there is a will. However, if there is real estate involved, it must go through probate.
In Marion County, the personal representative (also known as an executor or administrator) can distribute assets without the prior court approval. However, the court must sign off at the end of the process. If there are any disputes that arise during the estate administration process, court may become involved to provide necessary oversight.
How I Will Help You
Working with a lawyer during probate administration is beneficial for a number of reasons. I help personal representatives understand and fulfill their legal obligations. I will help you navigate the process and complete the tasks involved with administering an estate, including:
- Meeting notice and publication requirements
- Notifying creditors
- Paying off remaining debts
- Distributing assets
- Transferring title
- Identifying and locating heirs
- Compliance with inventory and accounting requirements of Probate Court
- Understanding tax implications
- Preparing and filing final tax returns
Guidance You Can Trust During the Administration Process
I am a lawyer committed to taking the fear out of the legal process. If you are a personal representative or heir that needs assistance with a probate or estate administration matter, contact me online or call 317-569-9644 to schedule your free initial consultation.