8 June 2018
 Categories: Law, Blog

All attorneys are created equal until you yourself need one, right? Similar to choosing a specialized doctor, you shouldn't just choose any attorney to help you with your needs. If you committed a crime, then you need a criminal defense attorney. If you are going through a divorce, you need a family law attorney. If you are dealing with a contract dispute, then you will need a civil attorney. And, if you are trying to work with a will, trust, or estate then you will need probate lawyers. 

1. Wills

A will is a legal document that is usually drafted with the help of a probate lawyer to help distribute property after an individual has died. Everyone and their mom should have a will; no matter how little money they may have. If you have kids and/or grandkids, then having a will in place is totally necessary. A will is a great way to ensure that your loved ones don't fight or get in a big argument over things like property or money after your death. 

2. Trusts

You've more than likely heard of an upper east sider having a trust fund. But what exactly is a trust fund and why is a probate lawyer necessary? To start out, let's define a trust. A trust is a property whether it's financial or real estate that is set up to be distributed in a three-party relationship. The first party (the person who owns the property) sets up the trust and enlists a second party (sometimes a probate attorney) to distribute the property to the third party or beneficiary. 

3. Estates

An estate doesn't just pertain to the property you own; it pertains to all assets that you have. A probate attorney is usually hired to help a family distribute a person sum of assets after they have died. However, a probate attorney can also be hired before the person passes away. 

Money is something that nobody wants to mess with; especially after the loss of a loved one. When tensions are high, that's when things get particularly messy. When you're hiring a probate attorney, make sure to look for a reputable one. A good probate attorney has years of experience in this field and can ensure that you and your family are protected when it comes to wills, trusts, and estates. If you want to learn more about hiring a probate attorney, contact a law firm near you.