Compassionate, Knowledgeable Guidance When Your Loved One Dies
When you are coping with the loss of a loved one, it is hard to concentrate on details, but that is exactly what you will be asked to do if you need to move your loved one’s estate through the probate process. That is one reason why it can be important to have help from a lawyer who has experience in probate and estate administration.
At The Law Office of Debbe A. Levin, LLC, attorney Debbe A. Levin has been assisting individuals and families throughout Cincinnati and the surrounding communities for more than 35 years. She knows the struggle families facing the death of a loved one experience. She helps her clients handle all facets of probate law, including:
- Estate administration
- Inventorying an estate
- Distribution of property
- Probate disputes
- Wills
- Trusts
In all these matters, she is thorough and detail-oriented as she protects her clients’ interests and respects the wishes of the deceased.
What Is Probate?
When a person dies, all of their property becomes known as their “estate.” That property can be distributed through a beneficiary designation, typically used for life insurance and retirement and IRA accounts, through jointly owned titles or accounts, typically used for real estate, mutual funds, and bank and investment accounts, through payable-on-death designations, through trusts and through the provisions of a person’s will. When assets pass under the provisions of a will, the probate court oversees the process of identifying the assets, paying off any outstanding debts and distributing the property to the person’s heirs.
If the person leaves a valid will, the property goes to the intended beneficiaries. This is not always an easy process, but it is relatively straightforward. However, when problems come up in probate, they can become very complicated.
A common problem is that the deceased leaves no will. In these cases, the court must distribute the property according to predetermined state guidelines. This can take a long time and may result in distant relatives inheriting everything, while close friends are left with nothing. In other cases, the deceased person leaves a will, but an interested party challenges its validity. These cases can be emotionally difficult and legally complex, and it can be crucial to have the help of an experienced attorney.
Contact Debbe A. Levin Today
Generally, a certain amount of chaos follows the death of a loved one. Speaking with an experienced probate attorney as soon as possible can help address the confusion you and your family are experiencing. For compassionate and experienced probate assistance, call The Law Office of Debbe A. Levin, LLC, today at 513-909-3388 or send an email to arrange for a consultation.