Southbury Probate Lawyer

Southbury Probate Attorney

If a family member has recently died and they had no estate plan in place, their estate will enter probate, a notoriously complex and time-consuming process through which the state will distribute their assets among their beneficiaries according to the state’s law of intestate succession. A Southbury probate lawyer can be an invaluable asset if you are preparing for probate after the death of a loved one.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Probate in Southbury, CT

The attorneys of Burns Thomas, LLC, can handle all tasks related to probate in Southbury. This is often an emotional and stressful process for families, and we can provide the comprehensive legal counsel you need to approach probate with confidence. We can assist you whether you are a Connecticut resident or if you are coming from out of state for probate administration following the death of a loved one who was a Connecticut resident.

Many Americans underestimate the cost and potential conflict of the probate process. Legal expenses for probate often cost as much as 10% of the total estate, and about 35% of Americans in the United States report that they or someone they know has experienced family conflict in the probate process due to a family member’s lack of an estate plan.

Southbury is known as one of the best places to raise a family in Connecticut. With high-ranking schools, many comfortable residential neighbors, and beautiful natural surroundings, many Southbury families love the area, but dealing with the death of family members is an inevitability that every family must eventually face. Whether your family member died of natural causes or as a result of an accident, you must be prepared for potentially difficult estate administration.

It’s generally advisable to avoid probate with an estate plan, but when probate is unavoidable, it’s crucial to understand what this process entails. Burns Thomas, LLC, can help your family prepare for probate, identify the issues most likely to generate conflict, and guide you through these difficult proceedings as efficiently as possible.

Understanding the Probate Process in Southbury

When a person dies with a last will and testament or a more comprehensive estate plan, the state will distribute the contents of their estate according to their estate plan. If a person dies without any last will or estate plan in place, their estate is considered intestate, and the state’s laws of intestate succession will determine where their assets and property will go. Outstanding debts are paid from the estate, and beneficiaries receive the remainder.

One of the key issues many families face in probate is the fact that intestate succession laws do not take personal family dynamics into account. It’s possible for a surviving family member of the decedent to qualify to receive a share of the decedent’s estate under the laws of intestate succession even though other beneficiaries may believe the decedent would have had other intentions for their estate.

It is also possible for beneficiaries to dispute elements of the probate process. They may claim the right to specific assets, or they may dispute the distribution decided by the court. It is also possible for a decedent’s will to be disputed by beneficiaries in various ways. Ultimately, navigating probate is often difficult, and an experienced Southbury probate lawyer can be a crucial asset to have on your side for these challenging proceedings.

How to Avoid Probate in Southbury

The optimal way to avoid probate in Southbury is to develop a comprehensive estate plan that is clear and legally sound. A properly constructed estate plan can include several elements:

• A last will and testament written by the estate owner can clearly convey their wishes for distributing their assets after their death. They can leave specific pieces of property to individual beneficiaries and designate charitable donations and much more. A last will and testament should be regularly updated to minimize the chance of disputes during estate administration.
• An advanced care directive allows the estate owner to clearly dictate what type of medical intervention they wish to receive in specific situations. This can help to eliminate any uncertainty for the estate owner if they are in a critical medical situation or require end-of-life treatment planning.
• A power of attorney can designate a personal representative with the legal authority to make decisions for the estate owner should they become unable to do so themselves.
• Trusts can potentially help the estate owner’s beneficiaries avoid probate entirely. Placing assets into a trust and designating them to the care of a trustee allows the trustee to distribute the contents of the estate according to the estate owner’s wishes. Trusts can also potentially provide tax benefits.

If a family member has died intestate, and they had no estate plan in place, it is crucial to consult a Southbury probate lawyer at your first opportunity. They can help you determine the issues most likely to generate conflict within your family and develop a strategy for addressing these issues.

Whether the best option for you is a comprehensive will, the establishment of trusts or other estate planning solutions, we will find a solution that fits your needs.

schedule a consultation

Find Your Southbury Probate Lawyer Today

Burns Thomas, LLC, can provide compassionate and responsive legal counsel to you and your loved ones when you are facing probate administration in Southbury. Most probate judges follow the law of intestate succession to the letter, and they will have little interest in listening to emotional pleas or attempting to resolve personal family conflicts during probate administration.

An experienced Southbury probate lawyer can be invaluable for resolving family conflicts that arise during probate administration. They can also help to minimize legal expenses during probate by ensuring these proceedings unfold efficiently. Your Southbury probate lawyer can review the contents of the estate, identify and resolve outstanding debts of the estate, and provide ongoing support through all stages of estate administration.

Burns Thomas, LLC, has extensive experience with all aspects of estate administration in Southbury and surrounding communities of Connecticut. If you are searching for an experienced Southbury probate lawyer to help you navigate this difficult situation, we are ready to assist you. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with a Southbury probate lawyer, and learn more about the legal services we provide.