Are you looking for experienced estate administration you can trust? Learn why hiring a qualified Lexington estate administration attorney is crucial.
If you are the executor of someone else’s estate or your loved one did not leave behind a will, seeking assistance is the best next step. Working with an experienced Lexington estate attorney will ensure the estate has efficient and legal administration that meets both the asset holder’s wishes and obligations.
It will typically be in your interest to avoid probating the estate in order to maximize the gifts that go to heirs and beneficiaries. With the right estate administration, you can utilize strategies to avoid the probate process while meeting all necessary legal and tax obligations.
What Is Estate Administration?
Estate administration is the legal process involved in the maintenance and distribution of someone’s assets, including personal property and real property, after they die. The estate is the sum of all the deceased’s property and belongings. If there is a valid will, the estate administration is typically executed according to the will. However, if there is no valid will, the estate proceeds according to South Carolina law.
In either case, seeking professional legal services from an attorney who concentrates in estate administration will help the family navigate the legal formalities with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome.
Several tasks are part of the process, including:
- Settling outstanding debts
- Handling and paying estate taxes
- Preparing and filing all necessary paperwork
- Finding lost estate assets
- Defending against lawsuits
- Managing and protecting the assets of the estate
- Identifying heirs and beneficiaries named in the will
- Distributing property to heirs and beneficiaries
Having a Lexington attorney to guide, helps families consider all possible options, including probate and non-probate proceedings. Additionally, trusted legal representation will help to facilitate property distribution as the asset holder intended. If complications arise during proceedings, an attorney can provide dispute resolution outside of court, and aggressive litigation when necessary.
Call a Lexington Attorney for Estate Administration Today
At McCutchen McLean, LLC, our Lexington attorneys have extensive experience in estate administration and can provide valuable counsel and legal services to streamline and expedite the probate and asset distribution process. No matter your situation, knowing you have focused attorney in your corner will give you peace of mind and lead to optimal results. Contact our Lexington office today at 803-785-4529 to discuss how we can meet your needs.