The Law Offices of T. Jeremy Watson

     After the death of a loved one, estates can often be probated in one of several jurisdictions, and with little or no actual notice to those who might have a real interest. Once letters testamentary have been granted, an executor may have broad power to begin accumulating and disbursing estate assets without notice to anyone. But the Will offered to probate may not always be the right one, and executors don’t always act in the best interests of beneficiaries, or as they are required to by a Will or by law.

     Whether you may have a will contest, a suit to establish or enforce a beneficiary’s rights in an estate, or another claim against or involving an estate, it is important to seek legal advice quickly. Once assets of an estate are gone, they may be gone forever. A judgment against a party with no remaining assets isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

     Mr. Watson always encourages potential clients to seek advice immediately if there is any thought that disagreements may arise. Potential clients are advised to hope for the best, but to prepare for the worst. And an initial client consultation should never cost you anything.

   Before you contact an attorney, you may be able to collect some basic information that will be helpful. The first things any attorney will need to know are:

                    •          your name and the best address and phone number
                               to use to contact you;

                    •          the full name, date of birth, and date of death of the
                               decedent;

                    •          the county, and if possible, the address of the decedent’s
                               last home;

                    •          the county in which the decedent passed away;

                    •          the county, and if possible, the address of any real property
                               owned by the decedent;

                    •          a list of any significant assets which may need to be located
                               quickly;

                    •          as much information, including a copy if possible, of any and
                               all wills ever signed by the decedent; and

                    •          a list of names and addresses of all spouses, children,
                               grandchildren, and any other family members who may be
                               beneficiaries of the estate.

     All of this information will help any attorney you may contact to help counsel you about the appropriate actions to take. But do not delay just to collect information. While you wait, your rights and inheritance may be slipping away.

     If you think a dispute or a lawsuit involving the estate of a deceased is likely, then you should collect as much information as you can gather quickly, and then consult an attorney experienced at probate litigation as soon as possible.