After the death of a loved one, it is possible that his or her estate will go through the probate process. Probate establishes the validity of a will, identifies the assets included as part of the estate, appraises the value of the property and pays outstanding debts. There can be misconceptions regarding the probate process in Nevada, and if you believe that you have a rightful claim to a portion of an estate, it is wise to understand how probate works.
Probate is quite common, but there may be ways you can protect your rights as a beneficiary. This process may seem overwhelming, especially after the death of a loved one, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
What you need to know about probate and how you can protect your rights
Common misconceptions about probate generally involve the financial impact and the length of time that it takes to complete the process. People often ask the following questions regarding probate:
- How long does the process take? The length of the process will differ from case to case. Disputes over the will or contests over the distribution of assets could take more time to resolve. In many cases, the probate process is simple and routine.
- How much will it cost? People often think that probate will wipe out most or all of an estate, but that is not true. If it is not possible to avoid probate altogether, it will likely only cost a small percentage of the estate. If litigation is required, it will add to the cost of the process.
Probate can be confusing, and if you have questions or concerns regarding the protection of your interests or your rightful share of an estate, it is best to work with an attorney with experience in estate planning.
Assistance for complex estate concerns
The administration of an estate and probate can be an emotionally challenging time for a family. However, you do not have to deal with complex estate issues alone. With experienced guidance, you can move forward and obtain a positive resolution to your probate concerns.