Someone might need probate administration services from a lawyer if they’re dealing with the estate of someone who has passed away, and any of these situations apply:
Common Signs You Might Need Probate Services
- The deceased owned assets solely in their name (like a house, car, or bank accounts not jointly owned or without a beneficiary).
- No Living Trust exists. If there’s only a will (or no will at all), probate is often required.
- Debts need to be settled. Probate handles paying creditors and taxes before distributing what’s left to heirs.
- Title transfer is necessary. For things like real estate, vehicles, or bank accounts, you’ll likely need probate to legally transfer ownership.
- Disputes between heirs. If family members are fighting over assets, a probate attorney can help navigate the legal mess.
- High-value estate. In many states (like Florida), estates over a certain dollar amount must go through probate.
- Out-of-state property. If the deceased owned property in another state, probate might need to happen there too (called ancillary probate).
To Sum Up
If someone passes away with assets in their name only, and you need legal authority to collect, sell, or transfer those assets, probate administration is probably needed.
If you’re unsure, most probate attorneys offer a free consultation to review the situation and guide you on whether probate is required.
