Hendersonville Probate Lawyer

After losing a loved one, you deserve time to focus on your family instead of worrying about dividing assets, also known as probate. An experienced and trustworthy Hendersonville probate lawyer can support you throughout the probate process and help you make the best decisions to ensure a swift, amicable outcome. At King Law, we understand asset division is often deeply personal and emotional, so we remain calm every step of the way. With our high-level professionalism and communication, you can achieve the best results for your family.
We have proudly served the Hendersonville area for many years, so you can rely on us to handle your case, regardless of circumstances. Our caring attorneys strive to provide relief for your family with unmatched services and extensive knowledge of state law. Due to the sensitive and complicated nature of the probate process, we work with you to help you fully understand your responsibilities and options to meet your needs and goals.

What Is Probate in North Carolina?

Probate is the process of dividing a decedent’s assets. The county probate court supervises the proceedings, and a personal representative, often the surviving spouse or a close relative, is responsible for carrying out the process. North Carolina has three types of probate procedures depending on the value of the property involved:

  • Claiming personal property with an affidavit: If the decedent’s assets do not exceed $20,000 in value or $30,000 if the surviving spouse inherits everything under state law, you can fill out an affidavit and present it to the institutions that control the property you inherit. 
  • Summary probate: During this simplified process, you file a petition to the probate court. The court will issue an order that no further probate procedures are necessary. Then, you can present this order to collect property.
  • Formal probate: All other probates fall into this category, which has more steps and complications. Formal probates typically occur when real estate is involved or there are disputes about beneficiaries and asset division. 

We understand that dividing assets and going through the probate process can be daunting, so we are here to make it as stress-free as possible. Our knowledgeable probate lawyers can help you determine what assets need probating and which type of probate proceedings you need to pursue based on your unique situation.

What Are the Personal Representative’s Responsibilities During the Probate Process?

The personal representative during the probate process is the individual in charge of dividing assets. This could be the decedent’s surviving spouse, close relative, or someone they named in their will. If there is no will, the next of kin or someone who petitions to act as the executor. If you are the personal representative of the decedent, you are responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

  • Collecting and taking inventory of the decedent’s assets 
  • Keeping assets safe
  • Having assets professionally appraised if needed
  • Selling any assets
  • Paying debts, filing a tax return on the assets, and handling other estate taxes
  • Distributing assets as per the will or state law

Our compassionate probate lawyers understand the pressure you may feel as a personal representative. We can help you make difficult decisions and make sure everything goes smoothly. No one wants to argue with their loved ones, so we use our advanced mediation skills to settle disputes and handle disagreements calmly and rationally. 

When Is Probate Necessary in North Carolina?

In Hendersonville, you only need to probate property the decedent owned in their name exclusively. Any assets the deceased person shared with someone else can be transferred to the appropriate beneficiary without probate. You may also need to pursue probate proceedings in the following cases:

  • Your family disagrees about asset division
  • The beneficiary or heir is under 18
  • Your family disputes the proper beneficiary or heir
  • Real estate is included in the assets
  • High-value assets are involved
  • The will is invalid or poorly written

Every probate case is different, so we consider the details of your situation when developing a plan that meets your needs. We communicate honestly about your legal options so  that you know what assets need to be probated and how to handle the process correctly. 

Schedule a Consultation With a Skilled Hendersonville Probate Attorney at King Law

When grieving the loss of a loved one, you may not think about the legal processes that follow. Dealing with the probate process after such a loss can make it even more stressful. Fortunately, with our King Law lawyers by your side, you do not have to go through it alone. We are here to help manage every aspect of your probate with our unwavering support.

Our dedicated Hendersonville Probate lawyers are committed to building a relationship with you. We take every case seriously, so you can trust us to handle yours with the care and respect it deserves. Every member of our legal team has the skills and knowledge to help you through emotionally-charged situations like probates. With our innovative strategies and top-tier legal services, you have a better chance of achieving a successful outcome. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 748-5464 or (888) 748-KING. You can also fill out our contact form.

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