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Settling a loved one’s estate

When someone dies, someone has to gather what they owned, pay what they owed, and pass on the rest.

That job usually falls to a spouse or a grown child, often while they are still grieving. We take the court filings, the notices and the deadlines, and keep you told at every step.

Some estates don’t need probate at all. We’ll check before anything is filed.

Helpful to bring

  • The will, if there is one

  • The death certificate

  • Recent bank and retirement statements

  • Any deeds or vehicle titles

Two people sign papers at a light grey table

What settling an estate involves

A simple estate takes a few months; one with a house to sell or a dispute takes longer.

  1. 01

    Step 1: Find the will and the property

    We look for the original will, list the accounts and property, and check which pass outside probate.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Open the estate with the court

    We file with the county court, ask that you be named personal representative, and get your letters of authority.

  3. 03

    Step 3: Notify and wait

    Creditors and heirs get notice. There is a set period for claims, and we track it for you.

  4. 04

    Step 4: Pay and sell

    Final bills and taxes are paid. If a house or cabin must be sold, we coordinate with the agent.

  5. 05

    Step 5: Pass on the rest and close

    What remains goes to the heirs, receipts are filed, and we ask the court to close the estate.

What people ask about probate

Is probate always needed?

No. Accounts with a named beneficiary, jointly owned property and small estates under the state’s limit can often pass without it. We check before filing anything.

Do I have to live near the court?

No. A personal representative can live anywhere. Most of the work happens by mail and phone, and we attend hearings in the county where the estate is opened.

Who pays the legal fees?

Reasonable fees for settling an estate are usually paid from the estate itself, not by the personal representative. We put our fee in writing at the start.

Talk through the estate before anything is filed

Bring what you have. We’ll tell you whether probate is needed and what comes first.

Book a first meetingCall (218) 555-0147