Types Of Conflict During The Probate Process

As a trusted lawyer from Kaplan Law Practice, LLC could tell you, the probate process is a time that can bring up plenty of emotions for everyone involved, whether it is a family member who was included in the will or someone who was not. If you are about to embark on the estate planning process, whether you are hoping to create an estate plan or if you are the executor of the estate plan, it can be extremely helpful to work with a probate lawyer during the process so that you can make the process as uncomplicated as possible. If you are looking for a lawyer to help you, please reach out to your local law firm today. 

Top Three Types of Conflict That Arise During Probate

Probate can be a difficult time, especially if you are the executor of the estate. During this time, you will want to work with a trusted Bergen County, NJ probate lawyer to help the process go as smoothly as possible. 

• Personal/Family Arguments. Emotions often run high after the death of a family member. It can become even more complicated when certain members feel that they have been promised items from the deceased or believe that they should have received money. This can make challenges in the probate process extremely difficult and may make probate go longer. Arguments can stem from rivalries between family members, disputes about how a family business should be run, or even from beneficiaries who are challenging the executor’s choices. 

• Financial Conflict. Many people do not realize that the final number from the estate is not going to be what everyone originally believes it will be. There could be fines or penalties that take money from the estate. Additionally, if the decedent owed money, then debt collectors may come to collect cash or certain items from the estate may be sold in order to pay off debts. Whatever the case, if a beneficiary believes that they are going to get more money than they end up getting, it could cause many arguments.
• Challenging The Estate Plan. The probate process seems to be a time when people believe they are not getting what is owed to them. When this is the case, beneficiaries (or those who believe they should be beneficiaries), may challenge the validity of the will. This can lead to people becoming angry or getting hurt and can make the probate process take additional time. 

Going through the probate process without the help of a lawyer is ill-advised since many issues and conflicts may arise and certain parties may bring up arguments that can draw the probate process out. If you are about to embark on the probate process, it is best to reach out to a lawyer you can trust. If you are creating a will, a probate lawyer can help you word your will in a way that is concrete and has little room for argument. On the other hand, if you are an executor or a beneficiary of a will, a probate lawyer can help walk you through this process. For more information on how a member of our team can help, reach out now.