Probate Attorney in Thornton, Colorado
In Thornton, Colorado, probate is the process through which a Court determines if a will is valid or not.
As part of this process, the Thornton, Colorado probate court will determine the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, and then, finally, distribute the estate according to the will, assuming it is found to be valid.
Wills often name a person as the executor of the estate. If not, the court in Thornton, Colorado will name one. This is most often the adult individual who stands to inherit the most money or property from the will.
Because the executor is responsible for actually initiating probate proceedings and seeing them to completion, the person chosen for this role is often the one who stands to inherit the most from the will - giving them an incentive to put in the necessary time and effort.
Duties of the Executor in Thornton, Colorado
The executor has several duties with respect to the will. First, it is his or her job to actually initiate probate proceedings, which often must be completed before the will is given effect.
Also, it's the executor's job to notify all interested parties that the person who made the will has died. "Interested parties" are generally people who are named in the will, or who would inherit the estate if the decedent had died without a will.
There may be many people who are entitled to take under a testator's will, with which the testator may have fallout out of touch years ago. This can make them difficult to find, but they need to be found, nonetheless. To that end, the executor is required to make a list of everyone who might be able to inherit, whether they're named in the will, or closely related to the testator. Additionally, they have to make known all of the decedent's major assets and debts.
Furthermore, the executor is required to take a leading role in proving the validity of the will. The executor obviously has an incentive to see the process through, since they cannot inherit until probate is complete.
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How Can A Thornton, Colorado Lawyer Help?
Because of the complexities inherent in the probate process, it is a good idea to hire an experienced Thornton, Colorado probate lawyer, particularly for the executors of estates.
There are 52 Wills, Trusts and Estates cases posted in Thornton
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Probate Attorneys in the Largest CO Cities
Life in Thornton
The city of Thornton, Colorado has a population of about 118,000 and is located in Weld and Adams counties. Thornton's location near the city of Denver and near the Rocky Mountains allows for ample opportunities for business, residence, and recreational activities. Thornton's community is marked by a high degree of volunteerism and participation in local events.Thornton, Colorado is a unique city in that it actively pursues development of recreation programs and facilities. Overall, Thornton boasts over 80 city parks and more than 1,000 acres of land designated for public parks. The city also maintains numerous athletic fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, and gymnasiums. Indoor and outdoor facilities provide Thornton residents with ample opportunities for leisure activities year-round.
There are many opportunities for business and retail shopping in Thornton, Colorado. Popular places for residents and tourists to visit include Larkridge Mall, Thorncreek Crossing Shopping Center, and Thornton Town Center. These locations offer many choices for restaurants and national retail stores. Thornton is also surrounded by nine major colleges and universities within a 45-mile radius. These include Regis University and University of Denver. Many Thornton residents work at these institutions, and events and festivals are often held on the campuses.
Lawyers in Thornton, Colorado offer legal services in a broad range of fields. Many Thornton lawyers are members of multiple state and county bar associations. The Thornton Municipal Court is where many lawyers process legal claims.
