Probate Attorney in Mechanicsville, Virginia

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in Mechanicsville, VA

In Mechanicsville, Virginia "probate" refers to the process a court uses to decide whether or not a will is valid, thereby deciding if it should be given effect.

During probate, the court in Mechanicsville, Virginia will determine the validity of the will, distinguish and inventory the decedent's assets, account for the decedent's debts and back taxes, and distribute the decedent's property, among other things.

Most wills name a specific person as the executor of the estate, but sometimes they don't, or the named executor is dead, out of the court's jurisdiction, or otherwise unsuitable to serve in this capacity. In these cases, a Mechanicsville, Virginia probate court has to appoint one.

The executor is the person who has to get the ball rolling on the probate process, and essentially serves as a living symbol of the decedent's estate. It is their job to defend the estate from debtors (if a legitimate defense for the debt exists, of course), and wind up any legal proceedings that the decedent might have been involved in. If an executor needs to be appointed, a court usually chooses the person who will inherit the most if the will is given effect, since that person will have the most motivation to carry out the duties of the executor.

Duties of the Executor in Mechanicsville, Virginia

The executor has many duties concerning the will. First, they have to actually initiate the probate proceedings, which must be finished before the will is effectuated.

They also are required to provide notice to the people with a direct interest in the estate that the decedent has died, usually by filing a death certificate.

Executors are also required to make available an accounting of the testator's debts and assets, so their affairs can be wound up, along with a list of everyone who is named in the will, or otherwise stands to inherit.

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.

How Can A Mechanicsville, Virginia Lawyer Help?

Because this can be (though isn't always) a fairly complex process, it's a good idea to get a good probate lawyer in Mechanicsville, Virginia, especially if you find yourself being the executor of an estate, and aren't sure how to proceed.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville, Virginia is an unincorporated community in Hanover County, with approximately 35,000 residents.

Mechanicsville is associated with several important battles during the American Civil War. These include the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek, The Battle of Gaines' Mill, and the Battle of Cold Harbor. Some of these battles are considered by historians to be very important turning points in the war.

As a result of these, and other important events from the time, Mechanicsville, Virginia is rich with historical sites, and professional and amateur archeologists frequently visit the old battlefields looking for artifacts. Mechanicsville, Virginia is also home to a local landmark - the large stone windmill which has been a fixture of the community since it was built in the 1970s. However, it fell into disrepair over the years. It was renovated in 2008, and fully restored to working condition.

If you live in Mechanicsville, Virginia and are in need of a good attorney, chances are you'll be able to find one. There are many Mechanicsville, Virginia lawyers (or lawyers from nearby) who can probably help you with just about any legal problem you might face.

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