Probate and Estate Attorney at Law in Beaverton, Oregon
Probate and Estate Attorney at Law in Beaverton, Oregon
Your loved ones deserve to have their last wishes recognized. After dealing with the loss of a loved one, turn to a probate attorney in Beaverton, OR, for personalized service to help you through the process.
Mark John Holady Attorney at Law is available to represent clients in matters related to wills and probate. Schedule an appointment with our firm today to discuss more on our service options.
The death of a loved one can have a major impact on friends and family members alike. After the funeral or memorial is completed and loved ones have had the chance to say goodbye, the question becomes what to do with the deceased’s property. While going through estate planning is common for many individuals, others choose to not make their final wishes known. During these times, the deceased’s estate is subject to probate as the courts decide how property should be distributed.
Receive support as you face this complex and confusing time. It can be difficult to get through the process without the right team on your side. Our experienced and trustworthy probate attorney offers complete services to help you understand every step of the situation. We work hard to ensure you make the right decisions for all matters related to probate.
From the moment you call our probate attorney, you can trust that we have your best interests at heart. We take the time to explain your options so that you can make an informed choice for every part of your situation.
People tell me often “I need to avoid probate.” What they mean to say is “I want to avoid probate.” Clients tell me that probate is bad, it’s wasteful, and it achieves no good effect. To which I answer, “Yes, no, maybe; it depends on the circumstances.”
Invariably, clients do not understand probate, nor its rationale. Some horror story has raised concerns with them. The vast majority of people who die leaving property have no issues transferring that property. Because there are no issues, you never read about those estates.
Because I handle regular probate work and litigated cases, I see both sides.
Often the litigation stems from a short-cut some decedent tried to take, usually involving a trust. When Mom takes a short-cut and names Sis as the trustee, Mom’s move may set up a dynamic far costlier than attorney fees. I would rather you dislike me, the attorney who handled your mother’s estate, instead of disliking your sister who served as the overloaded trustee of mom’s trust. After all, you two will see each other at Thanksgiving dinner. I know your mom says all of her kids get along. Still, you pay lawyers to worry, and I’ve seen families fall apart over the estate.
So what is probate? Probate stems from the Latin word “probare” or “to prove” Probate is a process of proving six matters: We prove you are dead; we prove you have a will (or don’t have a will); we prove who your family members are; we prove which assets you own; creditors prove which debts you owe; we prove that people are entitled to certain assets. All six matters may be an issue up for litigation. The process takes several months, generally 10 to 12, in Oregon and Washington so that proper judicial notice is given and its steps followed. If there are issues, then the probate court usually handles the litigation involved, hearing the claims of parties. Occasionally, juries are involved, but this is rare. Although the probate records and proceedings are open to the public, usually no public citizen gets involved. If you are really concerned about keeping your estate matters private, use a trust. Yet before you go to that expense, ask yourself when was the last time you went to the courthouse to attend a hearing of any sort, let alone a probate matter. In the 32 years I’ve been involved in law, I’ve been to one trial where someone outside the parties showed up. A newspaper reporter came because of the gossipy nature of the case. That was one case in hundreds of probate matters. – Mark John Holady
When you want to know how long does probate take in Beaverton, OR, or are just looking for someone to guide you through every step in the process, you can contact Mark Holady and his team for assistance. He has years of experience helping individuals with their probate needs. Not only is he available in Beaverton, but Mark and his specialists are also able to meet with you in any location throughout Oregon and Washington.
Receiving legal support does not need to be expensive. Our estate planning and probate attorney in Beaverton, OR, offers a series of solutions for clients at affordable rates that fit any budget.
Contact us in Beaverton, Oregon, to inquire about probate law and estate planning in Beaverton, OR. Our attorney is happy to help residents in Oregon and Washington.