FAQ

Probate is a process that assures an orderly transferral of property from one person to another. It also provides protection for creditors and designates an order for payment. In many cases, this is a necessary and desirable thing to assure those ultimately receiving property have proper title to it.

Probate fees are charged on the basis of time, expertise and value of the estate. The Probate Court must approve all fees, which typically are considerably less than the cost of a funeral. If a full administration is needed, a standard estimation of 2% of the value of the property is normally reliable.

The law provides certain periods of time for things to occur, such as a creditor submitting a claim. However, with the consent of all the beneficiaries, the process can be shortened and most estates can be closed within six months. If there is a surviving spouse, very often the process can be shortened even more. Likewise, the fees are considerably less because the time commitment is reduced.

Personal injury cases are handled on what is called a contingent fee. That means there is no fee if there is no recovery. The fee is typically one third of any amount recovered

Yes, we are available to see you in your home, at the hospital or a convalesant home.

Yes that is possible if you have uninsured motorist insurance and the other party is at fault.

It may be possible to settle a claim without filing a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is necessary, negotiations will continue to settle the claim so that every effort is made to not have a trial.

Medicaid is a government program designed to help those individuals whose assets are insufficient to take care of their healthcare needs. The program has exemptions and provisions for spouses and participants. With early enough planning, those exemptions can be maximized and an individual's desires to provide for their family can be realized.

The older one gets, the more likely it is that a situation will arise when they will need help with some aspect of their life. A power of attorney is something one should secure before the need arises, or it may be too late to create one.

Each situation is different, but some things to consider are the possibility of your property being in jeopardy from an unstable situation with your children's marriage, credit, health, and/or ability to pay any unexpected debt.

Unlike many contracts, the sale of real estate requires the contract to be in writing.

County real estate taxes are collected in the year after they are assessed. Consequently, the taxes currently due may not be the same as the year of the sale. Most buyers and sellers prorate the taxes to the date of transfer using the numbers that are available to them.

A land contract is essentially a seller-financed sale where the seller keeps the deed until the contract is fully paid. The buyer occupies the property during the term of the contract and makes periodic payments.

There are a variety of things one may keep when filing for bankruptcy. These things are designated as “exemptions.” They include a limited interest in your home, car, bank account, retirement plan, household goods and other assets.

Yes, but you may keep or reaffirm those debts you wish to repay, thereby effectively not filing bankruptcy against them.

Yes, a joint petition may be filed resulting in only one case.

The court will have the ultimate decision regarding what is in the best interest of the children involved with a divorce. That interest typically is for both parents to play a role in their children's lives. The availability of the parents and their ability to nurture the children are two of the most important elements in deciding where the children will live.

Temporary court orders are available to provide for the interim needs of the parties until the case is finally heard by the court.

Yes. If you can agree to all aspects of ending your marriage, you can use a process called the Dissolution of Marriage. This is usually faster and less expensive than a divorce.

A corporation offers some protection for personal liability and makes transfer of ownership easier. The size and complexity of your business will probably decide if a corporation is best for you.

To be a legitimate corporation you must act within the corporate structure and follow corporate rules. These consume a little more time than a sole proprietorship, but normally it is not overly burdensome.