I'm an Executor/Administrator. Do I need a Probate attorney?
Most states don't require you to hire an attorney for the Probate process. But if you don't have estate administration or accounting experience, you're well-advised to do so. If you miss a deadline or neglect a critical detail, you can be sued by the estate's heirs and beneficiaries. Some "red flag" issues are:
- The estate has insufficient assets to cover its debts
- Complex tax problems
- Ambiguous wording in the Will
- Beneficiary disputes
- Unfinished contracts
- Minor beneficiaries