Westfield Probate Attorney
Representing New Jersey clients facing the probate process
When a loved one passes, it is emotionally challenging for all that knew the deceased. The probate of a will can be an overwhelming process that burdens one with undue stress dealing with complex legal and financial issues related to estate administration. If you are acting as the executor of the will, you have an overwhelming responsibility. Having the right attorney to guide you through the process and making a difficult time much easier to bear is in your best interests. Probate is the process by which a court will allocate assets and real property to heirs and beneficiaries. Much of the probate process includes paying debts, gathering and managing the estate’s assets, distributing assets, and, if applicable, filing overdue tax returns. If you need quality legal advice and guidance, contact Joseph Gachko, Esq. Attorney Gachko is a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney that can ease you through your time of need and effectively represent you in all aspects of the probate process, handling all your legal matters with the utmost commitment. If you need to discuss your matter with an attorney, contact Joseph Gachko, Attorney at Law.
Testate vs. intestate
If a person had a valid will at the end of his or her life, they died “testate.” The Surrogate’s Court supervises the probate of the will. If the will’s validity is questioned, the matter will be sent to Superior Court. If a person dies without a will, he or she died “intestate.” Following New Jersey law, the probate court appoints someone to oversee the administration of the estate. The closest living relative has the right to apply to serve as the administrator.
Admitting a will to probate
According to New Jersey law, a probate action may not begin until 11 days after the date of death. The process begins with filing the original will and providing a certified copy of a death certificate with the Surrogates Court in the county where the deceased lived at the time of death. The purpose of probate is to ensure that the will was executed correctly, it’s the last one, and that it was not revoked. The executor of the will has many obligations, including:
- Collecting and protecting assets
- Paying the estate taxes and debts of the deceased
- Distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries
- Providing accounting to the court
If you are acting as the executor, you have a lot of factors to consider and a complex process to navigate. Having the right attorney to guide you through your legal duties is important.
Contact an experienced Union County probate attorney to guide you through the process
If you are in need of quality legal services regarding the process of probate, contact Joseph Gachko, Esq. Attorney Gachko has effectively guided countless heirs and executors through the process of probate. If you are acting as an executor, you have a lot to consider, many duties to satisfy, and a complex road to navigate. In order to relieve undue stress from taking on such a responsibility, contact an attorney that can help ensure your compliance with the court and the fully executed administration of the will. If you need an experienced probate attorney, contact Joseph Gachko, Attorney at Law.