Family law attorneys handle many aspects of family life. Most people are aware of their role in divorce and child custody cases. What some are not aware of is that family law attorneys also handle family inheritance needs. From planning for the end of life needs to assisting with families dealing with inheritance disputes, family inheritance lawyers in Toledo can help with these critical concerns.
Family inheritance lawyers can assist families in preparing their estate planning documents to protect beneficiaries and ensure they get the right inheritance. With the help of a family inheritance lawyer, people can structure their estate so that it is protected against unnecessary taxation and a lengthy probate process.
In addition to helping with estate planning, family inheritance lawyers in Toledo can represent heirs and families who are facing difficulty claiming their inheritance. If a beneficiary or family member is struggling with the probate process, they can turn to a family inheritance lawyer for help. The attorney will represent the beneficiary as they walk through probate, helping to speed up the process whenever possible. Having a family inheritance lawyer on your side can make the probate process less overwhelming, while also protecting against unneeded delays.
Sometimes families will hire a family inheritance lawyer to serve as the executor of an estate. The attorney’s legal knowledge and mediation skill are both invaluable in this role. This can help speed up the estate as it goes through the probate process. It also provides a skilled individual to serve in this role if the estate plan does not expressly name an executor.
Sadly, many families face disagreements when it comes time to divide an estate after a death. This can lead to the will or estate plan being contested, which can create tension between family members. To protect in these legal battles, family inheritance lawyers can work with their clients to walk through their options.
If an individual feels that the will is not being correctly applied or interpreted, they can contest it with the help of their lawyer. If an individual thinks that the executor of the estate is not performing his or her duty properly, they can use the services of a family inheritance attorney to address the problem. Working with a lawyer will ensure that the individual understands their rights. Sometimes in fiduciary duty concerns, a lawsuit is the best form of protection, and that is where a family inheritance lawyer can help.
Another area that a family inheritance lawyer can help is in the collection of death benefits. Working with life insurance companies or pensions is not always easy, and people sometimes miss out on the death benefits they’ve been promised. A family inheritance lawyer in Toledo knows how to cut through the red tape and help beneficiaries claim these benefits as promised. If someone is having trouble claiming life insurance or another type of death benefit, a family inheritance lawyer can make it easier.
There are two times when it makes sense to hire a family inheritance lawyer. First, consider hiring one when you are preparing to make your estate plan. Working with one at that point will help you avoid contentions and other problems down the road.
The second time when you may need to hire a family inheritance lawyer is when you are the beneficiary of an estate. While estates with proper plans in place can avoid probate court and disputes, sometimes these problems are inevitable. If someone you care about has died and you anticipate being named an heir or beneficiary, and know the estate will be going to probate or is likely to face some dispute, then hiring a family inheritance lawyer in Toledo early in the process can help you make sense out of what is happening.
Finally, consider hiring a family inheritance lawyer if you are involved in estate distribution and face a dispute or disagreement. With an attorney on your side, you can protect your rights and your interests in the estate.
If you are looking for a family inheritance lawyer in Toledo or the surrounding communities, reach out to HML. We have over 150 years of combined experience and understand the local probate process well. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case with a skilled attorney at Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC today.