Stratford Estate Settlements Lawyer
The probate process is often necessary to distribute a deceased person’s property and other assets to their heirs. Our Stratford estate settlements lawyer is also to those who, after a loved one passes on, need an experienced lawyer to serve as executor of the will.
The Probate Process in Connecticut
The first step of the probate process is to file the will with the local court in the jurisdiction of the deceased. Determining the validity of the will happens at this time. Formal notice of death is published, and anyone who wishes to contest the will can come forward.
This is where having a Stratford estate settlements attorney review and draft a will during someone’s life can be valuable. Any potential red flags that might cause a court to invalidate a will might be rooted out up front. While a will that is written privately by an individual can still stand up in court, a well-drafted document by an experienced lawyer may be more likely to pass judicial muster.
From our offices in Stratford and Trumbull, Tom leverages his 20-plus years of experience to help his clients deal with challenging legal issues regarding one’s personal assets. Call today at (203) 806-9065 or reach out here online to set up a consultation.
Contact Thomas E. Brennan
To Schedule A Consultation
Attorney Thomas E. Brennan has over 20 years of experience in probate and estate legal affairs that he is ready to leverage for your benefit. Learn how.
Contact Us
Reliable and Experienced Legal Guidance
All of the assets belonging to the deceased have to be identified. This can start with cash in a bank account. It also should include documentation of any real estate ownership, the value of stock portfolios, the title to car, family heirlooms, and more. Essentially, any asset that a person might leave to a beneficiary has to be found.
The beneficiaries must be notified. In a lot of cases, this may be easy. Spouses, children, and other close family members who are beneficiaries usually already know about the death. But there may be the need to locate a long-lost friend or relative. Organizations listed as beneficiaries also need to be notified.
When a person passes away, they might have had debts and creditors have the right to claim the money that is owed to them. It is the creditor’s responsibility to step forward after publication of the death notice, and the executor can pay them. The executor must also pay any taxes that are due out of the assets and file an accounting report with the court.
Once debts have been settled and taxes paid, the inheritance can be distributed among the beneficiaries.
Get reliable and experienced legal guidance for your estate settlement. Contact Attorney Thomas E. Brennan at (203) 806-9065 or fill out our online contact form to arrange a consultation.
Is it Possible to Avoid Probate?
There is a popular misconception that having a will means heirs can avoid going through probate. This is not the case. Having a will certainly makes the probate process easier, with beneficiaries clearly identified and perhaps an executor named.
But probate will still be necessary. To avoid probate, it is necessary to establish a living trust.
Tom brings a studious approach to every case, listens carefully to every client, and then charts a recommended path forward. Call today at (203) 806-9065 or reach out here online to set up a consultation.
Get Started Today Today
Schedule A ConsultationAttorney Thomas E. Brennan has over 20 years of experience in Estate & Probate legal affairs, he is ready to help you.