Do you need help with estate administration in Las Vegas? Disputes among beneficiaries can make this already emotionally difficult time even more complex. Having a proper estate plan in place can help the estate administration process flow more smoothly and avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.
If you have recently lost a loved one and are preparing to administer their estate, navigating these emotional and legally complex situations without the help of an experienced Las Vegas estate planning attorney can be challenging. At Taylor & Leonard Law, our team has extensive experience with the estate administration process. We can help you with every detail of administering your loved one’s estate, so call us today at (702) 982-0880 to let us learn more about your situation and put together a plan that meets your needs.
Why Choose Us at Taylor & Leonard Law?
Going through the administration of an estate is emotionally challenging, and the legal complexities surrounding the administration process can sometimes be tough to navigate. During this difficult and sensitive time, you need a caring and compassionate attorney who will give you the personal attention you deserve while giving you sound legal guidance. Clients in Las Vegas select Taylor & Leonard Law because:
- Our firm has extensive experience with Nevada estate law and the estate administration process
- We help maintain affordable pricing through an efficient and personalized representation approach
- You will always get direct access to your attorney instead of getting handed off to layers of assistants
We have the experience and resources to help clients in Las Vegas through even the most complex estate administration situations. Call us today to let us put our experience to work for you.
How a Las Vegas Estate Administration Attorney Can Help You
Dealing with the death of a loved one is always tough, and being responsible for administering their estate and distributing their assets only adds to the emotional stress of the situation. Improper distributions or other conduct that conflicts with the terms of the estate plan could put you on the hook for possible liability. To help safeguard yourself and ensure that your loved one’s wishes are carried out properly, you need an attorney who can guide you through every step of the process. An estate administration attorney can:
- Review all estate documents to advise you of your rights and duties
- Negotiate favorable resolutions to any conflicts that arise during the administration process
- Help you assert your rights in court and obtain what you are legally entitled to
When the time comes to get help opening and administering an estate, call Taylor & Leonard Law to speak to an experienced estate administration attorney.
What is Estate Administration?
Estate administration is the legal process of managing the assets and debts of an estate and distributing estate assets to the beneficiaries. The process typically begins by opening the estate through a petition filed in probate court. An executor or administrator will be appointed by the court to handle the estate administration.
Next, beneficiaries and creditors of the estate should be identified and notified. The administrator is also responsible for identifying and gathering all estate assets. In some cases, a formal inventory and accounting might be required. After all debts of the estate have been paid, the executor may begin the process of distributing the assets. If there is a will, the assets should always be distributed according to the terms of the will. Otherwise, the Nevada intestacy laws will apply to the distribution.
Once all debts are paid and assets have been distributed, the executor may request the probate court to close the estate. The closing of the estate is the final step in estate administration.
Common Documents Used in Estate Planning
Proper estate planning can make the estate administration process much quicker, easier, and smoother. A comprehensive estate plan can avoid potential disputes and ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. Some common documents included in a complete estate plan include:
- Last will and testament: A will is the most common estate planning document, and this document is used to specify how your assets will be distributed after your death. A will can also be used to appoint legal guardians for your minor children.
- Trust: A trust is a powerful wealth transfer tool that provides many benefits, such as the avoidance of probate, minimized estate taxes, and confidentiality regarding the details of your estate.
- Durable Power of Attorney: This legal document allows you to designate another person to act on your behalf for financial and other decisions in the event you become incapacitated.
- Advance Health Care Directive: This document can be used to make decisions ahead of time regarding end-of-life medical care so that your family is not put in the difficult decision of making those decisions for you.
The specific documents that you need will depend on your personal and family situation. The team at Taylor & Leonard Law can help you put a comprehensive estate plan in place that can help make the administration process hassle-free.
What Happens if a Dispute Arises Regarding an Estate?
Disputes can happen at nearly any phase of the estate administration process, from proving the will to distributing the assets. Anyone with a legal interest in the estate may file a claim, and this starts the estate litigation process. Estate litigation requires gathering evidence to support your claim and presenting your evidence in court. Many estate disputes can be successfully resolved out of court, but those that cannot will go to trial before a judge. The judge will hear all the evidence and make a final decision to resolve the dispute.
Call a Las Vegas Estate Administration Attorney
If you need help with estate administration in Las Vegas, contact the experienced team at Taylor & Leonard Law today. When your inheritance is at stake, time is of the essence for getting the help you need. Let our experienced team walk you through every detail of the estate administration process and help you successfully administer the estate while avoiding disputes and misconduct. Call us now to schedule your free consultation with a Las Vegas estate administration attorney.