Losing a loved one is hard enough. Probate and estate administration adds extra stress, even if the will is clear and the estate is well organized.
“When clients come in to our office, their anxiety can be really high,” says Rob Iddins, managing law partner of Iddins Law Group. “We take the worry out of the process. We want to support our clients in any way we can, and walk them through things step by step until the whole job is done.”
READ MORE: Gagley Law Firm is now Iddins Law Group, with the same great service
Probate is the court-appointed process of transferring a decedent’s assets. Many people assume that having a will allows the estate to avoid probate, but Rob explains that most people have a mix of probate and non-probate assets.
“Things like IRAs and 401Ks can typically avoid probate because beneficiaries are named for those accounts. A joint-tenancy with right of survivorship would also be non-probate. But real estate, checking and savings accounts and other assets will usually have to go through probate before they can be distributed.”
At your initial conference with Iddins Law Group, your lawyer will look at the estate and determine if probate is necessary. They’ll let you know the cost up-front, which is usually a flat rate fee, not charged by the hour.
“We want our clients to walk out of that first conference with peace of mind.”
The average probate in Washington State takes six to nine months. It can take longer if assets are complex, beneficiaries are quarrelling, or there are issues with taxes and creditors. Consulting a lawyer to plan your estate while you’re alive can significantly speed up the process.
READ MORE: What happens if you don’t prepare a will?
Iddins Law Group represents the executor, but they help maintain family harmony through transparency and collaboration.
“We encourage executors to talk with all of the beneficiaries and share information — give them a copy of the will, the estate inventory and provide accurate accounting,” Rob says.
By assembling the right team, the Iddins Law Group helps their clients to feel as comfortable as possible throughout the probate process.
“We have a vast pool of referral sources if our clients need to find a realtor, a tax professional, an estate sale company or even a landscaper to help prepare the house for sale. Handling an estate takes a wide variety of professionals. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and connect you with other professionals as-needed.”
Iddins Law Group is proud to offer a 10 percent discount to veterans, active military, and first responders. Many probate costs are considered estate expenses and come off the estate before other proceeds are distributed, and Iddins Law Group is always transparent about fees and timelines.
Call 253-854-1244 or visit iddinslaw.com/contact-us to request a complimentary phone consultation. Learn more at iddinslaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter.
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