Rhodes Law Firm, PLLC, can help you through the difficult process of administering an estate (probate) after your loved one has passed away. This time of grief coupled with personal responsibilities and navigating an unfamiliar legal process can be overwhelming. Attorney Annette Rhodes has a great deal of experience in this area — compassionately helping many clients navigate the probate process in Wake and surrounding counties.
You should know that you are not legally required to retain an attorney to probate an estate. However, you assume a great deal of responsibility when you become an Executor or Administrator and will probably benefit from the guidance of an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney will help you understand your duties, mistakes to avoid and the best ways to handle the particular issues of the estate you are responsible for overseeing.
Often small steps can be taken early to mitigate or eliminate problems like complicated accountings, messy family disputes and an overly prolonged probate process. Additionally, larger estates may involve trusts, tax issues and unique deadlines and decisions. As an estate planning attorney, Annette understands trusts and can help executors and heirs make decisions that will be beneficial in the long run. Her guidance can help you avoid problems.
When you visit Rhodes Law Firm, PLLC for assistance with the administration of any size estate, Annette will review your loved one’s Last Will and Testament (if they had one) and talk with you about their assets and debts, the family situation and the concerns you have. She will explain the court process and advise you on the best way to proceed. For very simple estates, you may be able to handle the administration on your own after consulting with Annette. For other situations, in addition to legal guidance, administrative support is available to help you fulfill your duties to the estate and heirs and complete the required filings with the Clerk of Court.
Whether you would like assistance throughout the administration of the estate or just a consultation pointing you in the right direction, Rhodes Law Firm, PLLC can assist you. To learn more about the typical probate process in North Carolina, you can read our blog post “North Carolina Probate: An Overview.”