What is Probate?
Probate is the court-directed management and distribution of estate assets that occurs after an individual passes away. The purpose of the probate process is to ensure that an estate’s assets are distributed appropriately while fulfilling debts, tax obligations, or other claims.
While this process is court-directed, the burden of guiding the estate through probate court falls to the individual who has been named executor of the estate.
What are the Responsibilities of an Executor?
Have you been named executor of an estate? If so, it’s important to understand the responsibilities of this role.
An executor is an individual appointed in a will or by the court and is legally responsible for a wide range of duties in the probate process, including:
- complying with probate law
- filing documents with the court properly and on time
- staying on top of all communications regarding the estate and the probate process
- keeping detailed notes and financial records throughout the process
Additionally, the executor must be extremely organized and communicate respectfully with the judge, court officials, family members, and others throughout a demanding and time-consuming court process that may take a year or more to complete.
To add to these responsibilities, the stakes are high when acting as an executor. Mistakes or disputes in the probate process can be costly, stressful, and may impact relationships between surviving family members for years to come.
Full-Service Probate and Estate Administration for Your Peace of Mind
Because of these challenges, many people understandably turn to an experienced and qualified probate attorney to guide them through probate, relieving themselves of the burdens of acting as executor during what can be one of the most stressful times of their lives.
At The Law Office of Claudia I. Pringles, PLLC, we understand these challenges, and we have been helping probate clients since 2008. Our experience and knowledge provide our clients with peace of mind during a legal process that is stressful and confusing to navigate alone.
If you are an estate executor, administrator, or another interested party facing or currently going through probate, we can help. We also provide a comprehensive range of related services, including:
- Executor and Administrator Services
- Estate Fiduciary Services
- Estate Planning
- Trustee Services
- Elder Law
Within our Estate Planning services, we also assist people with planning ahead to avoid probate in the future.
Probate Services for Clients Across Vermont and Out of State
We provide in-person or virtual services for both Vermont-based and out-of-state clients from our office conveniently located in downtown Montpelier, Vermont, near the Washington County Courthouse.
Experienced Legal Support to Manage the Probate Process
Whether you have been named as an executor, need help in the management of an estate, or have other questions and concerns, you do not have to figure it out on your own. We can guide you every step of the way with the expert legal advice you need to successfully complete the probate process.
If you have recently lost a loved one, we recognize this is a difficult time, and we are here to help. Please contact us today to discuss how we can assist you with your needs.
Providing Probate Services in all Vermont counties including Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor.