Probate Attorney

Cary, NC | Apex, NC | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC | Holly Springs, NC

When a loved one passes away, his or her estate often goes through a court-managed process called probate or estate administration where the assets of the deceased are managed and distributed.  If your loved-one owned his or her assets through a well drafted and properly funded living trust, it is likely that no court-managed administration is necessary, though the successor trustee needs to administer the distribution of the deceased's assets.  The length of time needed to complete this process depends on the size and complexity of the estate and the local rules and schedule of the probate court. Our probate attorneys serving Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Holly Springs, NC are ready to help you make this process as easy and manageable as possible. 

Every probate estate is unique, but most involve the following steps:

• Filing of a petition with the proper probate attorney and court.
• Notice to heirs under the Will or to statutory heirs (if no Will exists).
• Petition to appoint Executor (in the case of a Will) or Administrator for the estate.
• Inventory and appraisal of estate assets by Executor/Administrator.
• Payment of estate debt to rightful creditors.
• Sale of estate assets. 
• Payment of estate taxes, if applicable.
• Final distribution of assets to heirs.

Benefits of Working with a Probate Attorney

While you aren't required to have an attorney working for you, working with a probate attorney comes with many benefits. Our attorneys have years of experience helping clients in the Wake Forest, Cary, Raleigh, Apex, and Holly Springs, NC areas which means we know and understand court rules, necessary forms, the proper procedures to follow, various court officials, and more. This means we have crucial knowledge to help you with your case. We work hard behind the scenes so you can focus your time spent with your family. Should we need anything from you, we'll reach out for more information. Since probate cases have a lot of details, it might take you a while to complete the process on your own. Our probate attorneys will complete the process with a faster resolution to make sure it is not drawn out and frustrating. We strive to minimize the chances of disputes in court.

Contact Our Raleigh, NC Probate Attorney

If you need assistance with any part of the planning process, rely on Chambers & Ennis to help. Our probate attorney is familiar with the necessary steps and can help you with any potential difficulties. Whether you need to dispute an aspect of the probate. You have been named as an executor but feel you cannot fulfill your duties, or simply have a question about what to expect, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you. At your earliest convenience give our firm a call. Our experienced probate attorneys work with those in Raleigh, NC; Cary, NC; Apex, NC; Wake Forest, NC; Holly Springs, NC and nearby areas.

For frequently asked questions about probate click here