If you don’t have help, probate is difficult at best, endless and frustrating at worst. Not only are many of our clients dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, they find themselves in over their heads when it comes to the expectations and nitty-gritty details of dealing with an estate.

You can initiate the process immediately after the death of the party whose estate is going through probate. At a minimum, probate usually takes about 4 months, though if there are disputes, it can last much longer than that. Backlogs at the courthouse, difficult assets, or other extenuating issues can also cause the process to take longer. Typically, you should expect it to last at least 6 months, though with a good attorney, you can cut that stretch down quite a bit.

In short, the probate process involves carrying out the will of the deceased. This can range from simple to very difficult, so an attorney will help you:

• Determine whether a proceeding is even necessary to distribute the assets, which it often is not
• Figure out whether the fiduciary needs to be bonded, which is specified in the will but may be affected by other factors
• What the specific laws affect the probate process in Kansas or Missouri
• What the process is for property that is passed on under a living trust rather than probate
• What tax laws or tax filings are applicable to your situation, depending on the will, the assets, and other elements that may apply
• What fees accrue to the process, charged by the trustee, the attorney, or someone else

Do you live in Leavenworth, Johnson, Wyandotte, or Atchison, Kansas? Or in nearby Platte, Missouri? If so, Kelly Malm Law is here to help you through the probate process. Our clients experience a much quicker, smoother, and less painful process than those who don’t choose Kelly Malm as a guide through this difficult time. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you move on.

WE ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU! CONTACT KELLY MALM LAW TODAY!