PROBATE AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION

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You can trust Mark T. Blake to give you peace of mind when it comes to what happens after your death. 

Planning ahead for your death might feel morbid, but creating a will and testament is one of the best things you can do to ensure that your wishes are upheld when you are no longer around. You have worked for what you have earned, and when you’re gone, you want to be assured that your loved ones are taken care of. 

Mark T. Blake provides legal expertise, knowledge of the law, and over twenty-five years of experience in the practice of probate. His detailed, client-centered approach removes obstacles for a successful, painless transition after you pass away. 

PROBATE 

Probate is the legal process of finalizing an estate. During the process, a will is reviewed to determine that it is valid and authentic. If it is, probate also refers to the general administering of a deceased person’s valid and authentic will (or administering the estate of a deceased person without a will). Probate is vital for several important tasks:

  • Proves the validity of your will
  • Identifies your property
  • Appraises property if needed
  • Pays off debts and taxes
  • Distributes assets
  • Transfers titles

These important tasks help to prevent fraud and wrap up all your final business so that your family does not have to worry about it.

Mark T. Blake Can Help 

As a probate attorney, Mark T. Blake works with your beneficiaries and executors to settle your affairs and administer your estate. 

 A popular myth surrounding probate is that it should be avoided at all costs: it costs money, takes time and holds up your assets so that your family must wait for their inheritance. These inconveniences can sometimes be problematic, but if you plan ahead properly, probate becomes a legal safeguard for your estate. Mark can assist you with setting things up properly so that any future probate processes flow smoothly. 

The Probate Process 

Throughout the probate process, your appointed executor will manage your estate. Your executor handles an array of important activities:

  • File paperwork upon your death with the court to start the process
  • Pay bills and debts
  • Track down heirs
  • Keep assets safe
  • Sell assets to pay debts or heirs

It is important to select an executor yourself, which is something Mark T. Blake can assist you with. If you fail to do so, the court will appoint an administrator who will take on the executor duties. This may not be someone you would choose to do the job, so, to have control, you want to put everything into place right now with your probate lawyer.

Not all property will go through probate, however, and a probate attorney can help you plan for this circumstance now. Mark T. Blake has the legal knowledge to help you take advantage of certain steps you can take to bypass probate.

 Start Planning Ahead Today

Mark T. Blake Attorney at Law provides guidance and legal representation related to contested wills and probate if you have lost a loved one. The probate court process can be frustrating and difficult to understand, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or regarding your probate needs, contact Mark at 925-933-9047 for outstanding probate legal services.

 

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