Probate and estate administration can be tedious and time-consuming work when you know what you are doing. It can be a nightmare if you don’t. Many executors and personal representatives choose to hire an experienced probate lawyer to assist with this process. Many families feel more comfortable having an impartial third party assisting in the administration of an estate.
At Jones Osteen Jones, our probate attorneys can handle all probate and estate administration needs. We assist clients in the Southeast Georgia area.
Comprehensive Assistance with Probate
The process of probate may include:
- Proving a will is valid
- Filing court paperwork
- Preparing the inventory of the estate
- Obtaining appraisals for property and assets
- Locating heirs
- Paying outstanding bills and taxes
- Collecting money owed to the deceased person
- Selling or distributing property as directed by the will
- Preparation of State and Federal Income and Estate Tax returns
Probate and Trust Litigation
Problems with a will, mismanagement of a trust, or financial abuse of an elder may come to the forefront during the process of probate. Jones Osteen & Jones litigates challenges to wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents in probate litigation involving:
- Will contests when validity or competency are challenged
- Charges of undue influence
- Mismanagement of assets in a trust
- Contested creditor claims
- Fiduciary misconduct
- Accounting challenges