Published November 2, 2020 by Shane Kersh

It is always a difficult time if you are dealing with a probate issue.  Usually, this involves the death or incapacity of a loved one.  In order to make things a little less difficult we wanted to provide you with a list of items to have available during your initial consultation.

The process of probate is getting authority to step into the shoes of your loved one and resolve their affairs. We handle a variety of estates – ranging from quite simple to extraordinarily complex. You may know a lot about your loved one's affairs, or you may not. Either way is okay. If you do not know, we will get you the authority to access and assess accounts, insurance policies, debts, and anything else your loved one left behind .If, however, you do know about your loved one's affairs, the following are examples of items to bring to your first meeting:

• 1.Prior and present Wills (and any Codicils)
• 2.Trusts
• 3.Designations of Guardian for Minor Children
• 4.Death certificate
• 5.Paid funeral bills
• 6.Decedent's most recent income tax return
• 7.Real and personal property tax bills
• 8.Deeds to property
• 9.Mortgage paperwork
• 10.Vehicle titles (or insurance cards)
• 11.Vehicle payment statements
• 12.Copies of any bills/debts
• 13.Life insurance policies & annuities – statements and summaries – beneficiary provisions
• 14.Most recent statements for any accounts (checking, savings, CDs, etc)
• 15.Most recent retirement, pension, IRA, etc. statements
• 16.Leases
• 17.Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• 18.Child support orders
• 19.Wills of other family members, if pertinent
• 20.Documents pertaining to any businesses the decedent owned (stock certificates, bylaws, certificate of formation, etc.)

Published November 2, 2020 by Shane Kersh