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Probate and Estate Administration |
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We have decades of experience in efficiently and sensitively handling Probate and Estate Administration matters.
The word “probate” for an estate in some states differs in definition. In Virginia, probate refers to the process of admitting the will of the deceased person to record. Probate can be effectuated in one of three ways: (1) By the Clerk of Court entering an Order of Probate; (2) By an ex-parte hearing in front of a Judge and the judge enters the Order of Probate; (3) By a hearing inter-parties whereby all persons interested in the probate of the will are brought before the Court as defendants and the will is either proved or not. If proved it is admitted to Probate. This last procedure is very rarely used. Once the Clerk admits a will to probate, the Executor must mail a Notice that the will was probated to all interested persons. Once that has occurred the probate process is ended and administration begins. In the District of Columbia and Maryland “Probate” also refers to the same portion of the process. Again, our attorneys have handled all phases of the probate process including proving or challenging a will.
After the probate of the will (or if there is no will), the executor or administrator must administer the estate or trust. This requires the filing of documents with the Court, specialized tax return filings, and confronting issues that most have never previously encountered. Our legal and paralegal staff help grieving families deal with these issues in a caring, yet efficient and professional manner. In such a trying time, we recognize the need to be sensitive to your needs.
