Probate Lawyer in
Pinellas County, FL
Looking for a Probate Lawyer in Pinellas County, FL?
Navigating the probate process can be difficult. Even if the decedent in your case has a valid will, probate can quickly become a quagmire of legal pleadings and motions. Instead of trying to tackle your probate case alone, choose the Wheeler Law Firm. Attorney Valentina Wheeler is a lawyer who’s practiced probate litigation and estate law for over a decade. With that kind of experience, it’s easy to see why clients in the Pinellas County, FL area continue to choose the Wheeler Law Firm to help them solve their probate issues.
The Wheeler Law Firm proudly serves clients in:
- Largo, FL
- Pinellas County, FL
- Hillsborough, FL
- Manatee County, FL
- Pasco County, FL
When to Consult a Probate Law Attorney
When you look for attorneys to represent you in a probate court case, it’s important to find a lawyer who focuses on probate law. While legal greenhorns may think of probate court and the civil court as one and the same, they’re actually significantly different. Civil cases cover any kind of dispute between two parties like a contract dispute. In contrast, the probate court involves verifying a decedent’s will and distributing their assets.
When someone drafts a will, they’ll select a personal representative to carry out their will’s provisions when they die. Often, someone drafting a will decides to select a representative who is a family member or close personal friend. If you are someone who was selected to be a personal representative but you don’t know where to start, don’t panic. Probate law is a precise and technical aspect of legal practice and requires a skilled attorney to successfully complete. Instead of trying to complete the process yourself, get a professional.
In addition, it’s unfortunately common for someone to die without a will, or with a will that’s not legally enforceable. When that happens, each of the decedent’s heirs needs to appear in probate court to represent their interests in the estate. In these kinds of probate scenarios, it’s even more important to hire a lawyer to represent you. If you don’t, you may end up disqualified from receiving any assets from the will.
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Call Today to Discuss the Probate Litigation Process
The probate process is a multi-step procedure that takes years for a lawyer to learn. It includes steps like:
- Verifying the will – the first step in the probate process is assessing the validity of the decedent’s will. This step will determine the procedure for the rest of the case. Usually, it’s a fairly simple process. However, if someone dies without a will, things can get complicated.
- If the decedent had a valid will, they’ll appoint a personal representative for their case. If not, the court will determine a personal representative itself.
- Next, the personal representative will need to inform all of the decedent’s heirs about their death.
- The personal representative will complete accounting of the decedent’s assets. For some assets, this may include finding a third-party expert to secure an appraisal.
- After that, the personal representative will identify all of the decedent’s unpaid debts and back taxes. They’ll notify any creditors about the decedent’s passing.
- Then, the personal representative will use the will’s assets to fulfill all of the decedent’s unpaid debts.
- Finally, the personal representative will disburse the leftover assets to the beneficiaries.
If you are an heir of an estate that has no valid will, the process will be different. You’ll need to hire a lawyer to guide you through probate litigation. Your attorney will:
- File any necessary forms with the court
- Negotiate with other heirs
- Make court appearances
- File motions and other court documents
- Assess the evidence of your case
Without a qualified probate attorney to help you understand this area of law, your case will be dead in the water.
Choose an Estate Probate Lawyer You Can Count On
If you need help navigating the probate process in the Pinellas County, FL area, choose the Wheeler Law Firm. Clients have already chosen the Wheeler Law Firm as their go-to lawyer for probate and estate representation for nearly a decade. Attorney Valentina Wheeler’s tenacious, dogged, and professional approach to probate cases separate her from other lawyers. Find out why they keep coming back. Call the Wheeler Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
The information contained on this website is presented for informational and marketing purposes only and is not to be understood as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice respecting your individual needs. Wheeler Law Firm, PLLC looks forward to speaking with you about your particular needs. Please note, however, that the mere act of contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. As a result, you should never send any confidential information to our office until a Representation Agreement has been signed by both you and Wheeler Law Firm, PLLC.