 Probate and estate administration are the legal processes of wrapping up a person's affairs and distributing his or her assets after death. The tasks of probate and estate administration are accomplished by an "executor" or "personal representative," usually a loved one or family member who has never handled the probate process before. If the task of probating an Indiana will or estate, or administering a trust, has fallen to you, I can guide you through the process. Contact my Crown Point law office for prompt assistance. I am an Indiana probate lawyer with 40 years of experience. I assist people charged with probating wills and estates in Lake County, Porter County, Jasper County, and Newton County, Indiana. What is Involved in Probating an Estate?Probate is the legal process the court uses, whether there is or is not a will in order to: - Document the property of a deceased person
- Identify creditors and ensure all debts are paid
- Identify the estate's tax liabilities and ensure taxes are paid
- Distribute the remaining assets and property to heirs and beneficiaries
I can guide you through the probate or estate administration process, ensuring that you meet all deadlines, file paperwork properly, and carry out the terms of the will or trust. By working with a probate attorney, you can have confidence that these tasks have been done properly. Indiana Trust Administration Advice Estate assets that have been placed in trusts do not go through the process of probate, but trusts must be put into effect and administered. If you have been named a trustee, I can assist you with trust administration. If you are the beneficiary of a trust, I will be happy to advise you on meeting the terms of the trust, coordinate with your financial advisor to maintain your capital, or challenge the administration of the trust in court. Legal Guidance to Resolve Will and Trust ProblemsIt is certainly one of the saddest outcomes of a poorly prepared will or trust (or of having no estate plan at all) when surviving family members start to fight and stop speaking with one another. While I will represent people seeking legal representation in will contests or trust contests in probate court, I also work with families to avoid damaging litigation. If you are concerned that your family may experience turmoil during a probate or estate administration proceedings, contact my office for prompt help. I can often minimize disharmony by carefully structuring the probate process. I can also assist in mediating disputes among heirs. With four decades of experience working with individuals and families who are going through stressful times, I am well prepared to help you and your family get through this period as quickly and painlessly as possible. Law Offices of Herman Barber, P.C.10200 Broadway
Crown Point, IN 46307-4063
Telephone: (219) 663-7400 ● Fax: (219) 663-7488
Map and Directions ● E-Mail MeNorthwestern Indiana estate planning attorney Herman Barber helps clients with estate planning and probate in Lake County, Porter County, Jasper County, and Newton County, Indiana, and the greater Gary metropolitan area, including Crown Point, Merrillville, Hobart, Hebron, Schererville, Lake Station, Highland, Kouts, Cedar Lake, Lowell, and Hammond.
| 
