With compassionate and instructive representation, The Law Office of Aaron B. Smith helps you navigate this difficult time. When someone dies, emotions often run high. It is important to separate those emotions from the task of administering the decedent’s estate. The Law Office of Aaron B. Smith manages to keep a client’s emotional state in perspective when guiding them through the often complicated and laborious task of administering a decedent’s estate.

• Validating the will: If the deceased left a will, the probate court verifies its authenticity.
• Appointing an executor or administrator: If there’s a will, the executor named in it takes charge. If there’s no will, the court appoints an administrator.
• Inventorying assets: The executor or administrator compiles a list of the deceased’s assets.
• Paying debts and taxes: Any outstanding debts and taxes are paid from the estate.
• Distributing the remaining assets: The remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries as specified in the will or according to state law if there’s no will.
  
  

Probate ensures that the deceased’s assets are distributed fairly and according to their wishes and state law.