The simple answer is that it may be free or cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Probate is the process by which a court of law helps loved ones to divide the property and assets of someone who has died. If a will, a trust, or both are present, it can avoid or significantly shorten probate, but in the absence of such documents, probate can be quite complex.
Executing a trust document correctly can help the loved ones left behind avoid probate altogether. Additionally, the cost and time spent on probate will likely be less burdensome when a will is drafted.
In measuring probate costs, you must look at both time and money. With a lawyer guiding you, probate will likely take a year, possibly longer. Monetarily, you may pay a lawyer by the hour or at a flat rate; either way, the cost is well-justified. In Missouri, your attorney's fees may be deducted from the value of the estate in probate. In Kansas, the court may also allow the costs to be deducted from the estate’s value.
In a more complicated probate matter, such as a contested estate, the costs rise according to the complexity and the time spent on the estate's finality.
If you are facing a probate matter, whether a simple or complex case, it is crucial to have a probate attorney by your side. My team can guide you through the probate process, protect your interests, and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you navigate this challenging time.
#ProbateAttorney #EstatePlanning #Trusts #Wills #ProbateProcess #ProbateCosts #LegalAdvice #LegalServices #LawyerUp #EstateLaw #LegalSupport #ProbateMatter #ComplexProbate #ContestedEstate #ScheduleConsultation #AchieveTheBestOutcome
