Building Relationships With Clients For The Long Term

Protecting Your Long-Term Estate Planning Needs

Estate or trust administration is the legal process of paying final expenses, debts, taxes, distribution of inheritance to those named in a Will or Trust, and wrapping up of a decedent’s financial affairs. Grubbs Law Office will provide legal services and counsel throughout the administration process to the Personal Representative, Trustee and beneficiaries.

At Grubbs Law Office, Robert Grubbs help clients throughout the Fort Wayne, Indiana, area with their legal needs concerning estate planning, probate and estate administration. You can count on him to provide you with personalized service tailored to your specific needs.

The Candid Advice You Need To Make Choices Confidently

When you work with Robert, you work directly with your attorney. You will not have to wade through layers of bureaucracy to work with the lawyer you hired in the first place.

His personalized style of legal service makes it possible for him to tailor his legal representation to the specific issues you are facing during what can often be a difficult and emotional time. Robert will provide you with the candid and objective advice you need.

Is my Estate Required to go through Probate?

Whether a person’s assets are required to go through probate administration depends on many factors. Robert will work with you to create a comprehensive plan for passing your assets to your heirs based on your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate And Estate Administration In Indiana

With over 20 years of experience, attorney Robert Grubbs has helped countless clients with their estate planning and probate concerns. Here are some questions he can answer:

How does the probate process begin?

Typically, the probate process begins when the estate’s executor locates the deceased’s will and files a petition with the probate court. If there is no will, then family members can petition the court to have an administrator named. That administrator can then initiate the process in the same way. The court will then generally authenticate the will and authorize the executor or administrator to take the next steps. Attorney Grubbs can help executors and administrators with the entire process.

What happens if there is not a will?

If the deceased did not have a valid will, then they are said to have died “intestate.” The state will then appoint an administrator to handle the deceased’s final affairs, including paying their taxes and debts and managing their remaining assets. Without the will, assets are distributed to heirs according to Indiana’s inheritance laws.

Does all property go through probate in Indiana?

No. Smaller estates may not require probate. Likewise, an estate that is transferred to a trust when the testator passes away could also circumvent probate. Testators can learn more about how they can avoid probate to make their passing easier on loved ones.

How long does the probate process take in Indiana?

The time it takes for the probate process to settle largely depends on a few factors. Sizable estates may take longer to value and distribute, for example. The probate process may also take longer if the will is disputed, if heirs are difficult to locate or if there are questions about the value of certain assets.

What is the difference between supervised and unsupervised administration in Indiana?

Supervised administration means that a personal representative of the estate is required to make all decisions with the approval of a probate court. An unsupervised administration means that assets can be sold or distributed and taxes and debts settled by the personal representative without probate court approval.

Meet With Robert To Learn More About His Practice

Robert invites you to speak with him about your legal needs. Call him to schedule a free initial consultation: 260-702-9207. You can also make your appointment to meet with Robert by contacting his office online.