The legal procedure used to manage and distribute a deceased person's estate is called probate. It entails confirming the will, if any, of the departed individual, cataloging and identifying assets, paying taxes and obligations, and allocating any remaining assets to beneficiaries. When a deceased individual owns property alone in their name, without joint ownership or designated beneficiaries, probate is usually required.

The complexity of the estate, the existence of disagreements or contested matters, and the effectiveness of the legal system are some of the variables that affect how long the probate procedure takes. Probate processes can generally be completed in a few months to a few years. A straightforward estate with no issues might be settled fast, but a complicated estate with disagreements or a large wealth distribution might take longer.

While navigating the probate process without legal counsel is possible, having counsel can be quite helpful, particularly for individuals who are not familiar with the intricacies of the law. Throughout the process, a probate attorney can offer invaluable advice and assistance, guaranteeing that all legal requirements are fulfilled, reducing delays and complexities, and safeguarding the interests of beneficiaries. A probate attorney can also assist in resolving disagreements or contested matters that may come up throughout the probate process, which can ultimately save time, lessen stress, and guarantee a more seamless administration of the estate.