As is often said, "There are two certainties in life  'Death & Taxes' ".  In spite of knowing this, planning for ones own passing or dealing with a loved ones estate after they have passed is still a challenging and emotional process.  At Billingsley & Associates our attorneys understand this is a sensitive time for you and your family and we do our best to make the process less challenging by skillfully guiding you through the estate planning and administration process.  Our attorneys are well prepared to assist clients with all types of estate planning and probate situations. We focus on providing clients with attentive representation during their most challenging times.  

We can help you with:

• Estate Planning
• Probate Process
• Real Estate Ownership
• Trust Administration

WE CAN HELP YOU PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Although it can be difficult to discuss, it is important to plan for your loved ones' future. If you have young children, a substantial amount of property, or are seriously ill, it is in your best interest to create an estate plan sooner rather than later. By creating a will or trust, you can select a guardian for your children and distribute your property as you see fit.

We understand that the inheritance you leave to your loved ones is important, and we can assist you in the creation of the most tax-effective ways to leave your estate to future heirs. While it is true that you can write your own will, it is best to have a qualified attorney assist you with this process.

After you pass and your will is delivered to a judge, it is important that he or she finds the will valid and your wishes legally binding. We have intricate knowledge of both state and federal probate and estate planning laws and can help you pursue the outcome you seek.

Estate Administration & Real Estate Matters

If your loved one has already passed on, we can gently guide you through the process of estate administration during this difficult time. Gathering assets is the first step of estate administration and we can provide you with legal counsel in the best way to assess them and distribute them. Settling debts is another important aspect, and our firm can help you notify creditors of the loss and pay the debts.

Real estate matters can be a particularly difficult subject in estate planning, especially when property has multiple heirs. Executors are charged with the duty to maintain and protect the property in their care until it is passed on to the proper beneficiaries or is sold. Our firm can assist in these real estate matters and more, including counseling on the best way to sell real estate while the property is in the probate process.

COMMON ESTATE PLANNING AND pROBATE QUESTIONS