Probate Attorney in New Castle, Colorado

In New Castle, Colorado, probate is the process through which a Court determines if a will is valid or not.

As part of this process, the New Castle, 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 frequently name a person as the executor of the estate. If not, the court in New Castle, Colorado will name one. This is most often the adult individual who stands to inherit the most money or property from the will.

The executor is the person responsible for initiating the probate proceedings. The person who would inherit the most from the will is appointed, because they have the greatest motivation to move the process along as quickly as possible, so they can get their inheritance.

Duties of the Executor in New Castle, Colorado

There are quite a few things that an executor is responsible for. At the outset, they are required to file the probate action with the appropriate court. No progress, let alone any final disposition of the estate, can be made until this happens.

The executor also has to give those with a direct interest in the will notice that the decedent has died, by filing an official death certificate.

Executors are also obliged 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.

As the representative of the estate, the executor has to take charge of the probate process, filing the proper court papers, and, if necessary, hiring an attorney for assistance. If the estate is large, and the executor stands to inherit a great deal of money once this process is done, they'll probably find it to be worth the time and expense.

How Can A New Castle, Colorado Lawyer Help?

Because of the difficulties inherent in the probate process, it is a good idea to hire an efficient New Castle, Colorado probate lawyer, particularly for the executors of estates.