What should you expect from Probate?

One of the single greatest factors that goes into someone's experience dealing with the Probate Process is their up front expectations they have.    The more realistic your expectations, the less frustrating the process will be.  Put another way, if you get into a hurry, you will likely be disappointed time and again during Probate.  The Probate process is designed to be very deliberate and comprehensive, and therefore takes some time.  Creditors are typically allowed time to file claims.  Real Estate and Property must be gathered, valued, and sold.  Claims must be paid.  There are timelines and notice requirements under Missouri Law, and time is needed by the Court.   All in all, it is not a quick process.

At The Piatchek Law Firm, LLC, in Springfield, Missouri, we help people navigate the probate process while attempting to minimize the delays and confusion that are associated with the probate process

For quality, affordable legal services in Springfield or southwest Missouri, call us at 417-882-5858, or send us an e-mail to schedule your consultation.

Providing Quality, Compassionate Estate Administration Services

As an experienced probate lawyer, Joseph J. Piatchek can explain Missouri's probate laws, answer questions, guide you through the process, and assist you with the orderly administration of estates. He can then guide you through each steps from very opening of the estate, to paying debts and distributing inheritances, to the closing of the estate. Here is a very simplified description of some the steps usually involved:

Filing initial paperwork with the probate division of the appropriate circuit court, seeking to open an estate;

Petitioning for the appointment of a personal representative to be in charge of the estate;

Providing legal notice to creditors through direct contact or publication;

Arranging for the collection, inventory and appraisal of the estate's assets when necessary;

Negotiating and / or paying off legitimate debts of the estate;

Filing a final report with the court, detailing all monies going into or out of the estate;

Asking the Court to give final approval to all expenditures and approve inheritance amounts;

Distributing these amounts in accordance with the decedent's will or Missouri State Law; and

Closing the estate.

Avoiding Probate

In addition to handling the wide range of probate and estate administration issues that may arise after the death of a loved one, our firm can also help you avoid probate by structuring your estate plan in advance. Revocable Living Trust, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and even business entities are just some of the tools we utilize when completing the estate planning process.  We can also discuss use of other techniques if you are interested in the asset protection process for you and your family. 

Springfield, Missouri, Probate Lawyer

Serving Your Family and Your Business

Talk to Springfield, Missouri, probate lawyer Joseph J. Piatchek about your probate or estate administration concerns today. To do that, simply call our offices directly at 417-882-5858 or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations and are available for evening and weekend appointments. We can also arrange a home visit if you are unable to travel to our offices.