When a loved one dies, emotions surge. Relatives must grieve and need space to process the loss.
Even so, legal matters demand attention. If the deceased does not have a will, a judge rules on the allocation of assets in a process called probate. It remains in the interest of everyone to clear this legal hurdle with efficiency.
Why does probate take a long time?
Probate encompasses a handful of complex estate issues. These include petitioning the court, assigning an executor and paying off debts. Any number of problems may cause the proceedings to become slower than anticipated.
One possibility is there are more assets to manage than usual. Owning homes in Colorado plus other states makes a solid example. Significant debt and tax complications are two other trouble spots. Conflicts between surviving family members typically cause delays.
How can probate get faster?
A variety of tasks clear a path for a probate situation to proceed. To begin, it behooves survivors to file paperwork with urgency. Additionally, acting with expediency gives better chances of naming a specific estate administrator.
Every individual with a right to make a claim must receive notification of death before a judge may rule. Thus, it is wise to communicate with interested parties as soon as possible.
The accuracy of financial records remains another critical variable. An absence of errors also protects inheritors against accusations of wrongdoing.
Probate encompasses a smattering of sophisticated legal and financial concerns. Closing the book on an estate remains a delicate affair.