I am a Probate and Estate Planning Attorney (and CPA) and assist clients with the Probate process that occurs after a loved one dies (most of the time real estate is involved). Often the family members are confused and anxious after they have lost a loved one. Probate is the process (which has court oversight) where all of the assets of the decedent (this is the person who died) are determined, the creditors are paid and the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries (these are the family and friends who receive property). Usually, a family member is appointed by the court to be "Executor." This is the person in charge of managing the assets and the Executor files different reports with the Court.
Often times I find that clients are anxious and upset about the loss of the loved one, nervous about family relationship and roles that will change. In addition, many clients I meet with are also nervous about going to court and sitting before a judge. However, most cases never go into the court room before a judge. My clients are often relieved to learn that to become Executor they meet with someone who is friendly, and sits in an office behind a desk (the Probate Clerk). The Prince William County courthouse is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, Virginia, which is in Old Town Manassas.
The families of the decedent (the one who died) are always anxious to finish with the probate process. The sooner the probate is finished the family members can heal and move forward in their lives. One of my goals as a Probate Lawyer is to move the probate process along quickly and relieve the stress of my clients who serve as Executor. Moving the process along has been complicated by the slow down in the real estate market. Since it now takes longer to sell a home, it often takes longer to complete the probate process. Finding a realtor who knows the geographic area, knows short sales, and can negotiate with banks can be a great help to a probate lawyer.
Having a knowledgable estate planning attorney, realtor, and appraiser eases the burden of the Executor. If you know someone who needs assistance serving as Executor, please feel free to contact me, as follows: Laura Moldowan, Dominion Wealth Law, PLLC, 14535 John Marshall Hwy, Suite 102, Gainesville, VA 20155. (703) 753-2305. www.dominionwealthlaw.com.
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