Why do you need an attorney to help handle an estate?
Executors have a fiduciary responsibility to properly manage a decedent’s estate. An attorney can assist with many of the duties that an executor faces, such as preparing and filing court documents, coordinating asset transfers, communicating with beneficiaries and next of kin, answering questions as they arise, and preparing income tax returns for the decedent and the estate. Even for a simple estate or trust administration, consulting with an attorney can save you time and provide peace of mind that everything is handled correctly.
Do you still need an attorney even if there are no probate assets?
Even if probate administration is not necessary, an attorney can help answer questions and provide advice about payment of debts, tax ramifications of inheriting particular assets, and the logistics of asset transfers.