Legal Advice

The death of a loved one can be an emotionally difficult time for the family of the deceased. In addition to the stress and grief that comes from losing a loved one, settling legal matters can intensify those emotions. While the assistance of a lawyer is not required, our experience has shown that it can be quite advantageous to help the process occur smoothly and free of any issues.

    Hiring a Lawyer

    If your family feels that hiring a lawyer is the best course of action, it is important that you make sure you work with one that possesses the experience and knowledge necessary. While there are many reputable lawyers in the area, we recommend working with one that specializes in estate settlement and this particular aspect of the law.

    Working with an experienced lawyer will not only have resolve any disputes that arise, it will also ensure that every document is completed properly and in a timely manner. While it may be unintentional, one minor omission, failing to send a copy of the petition, or missing a deadline can cause the entire process to come to a halt and expose loved ones to liability.

    Before you decide to hire a lawyer, it is important to meet with them and understand what their policies and fees are if you choose to work with them. We recommend scheduling an initial consultation where you can learn more about the lawyer and their services. Questions you should ask include:
    • Do you specialize in my type of case?
    • Do you have any special credentials?
    • Exactly who will handle my case; the attorney or a paralegal?
    • Who will be my point-of-contact?
    • What's the preferred way to communicate with your office?
    • Will I be billed for phone calls and email correspondence with either the attorney or staff?
    • How will I be informed about any progress in my case?
    • How will fees be calculated? Hourly, contingency, or flat fee? If I will be billed hourly, will I be required to pay for portions of an hour?
    • What expenses am I responsible for?
    • How often can I expect to receive a bill?
    • Is advance payment required? What happens to that money if I terminate the case before it's resolved?
    • Will I receive copies of all documents pertaining to my case?

    Important Documents You Need

    Once you have met with a lawyer and decided to hire them, you will need to gather several documents. Your lawyer should provide with a detailed list of instructions and documents required to move forward with the proceedings. Some of these documents may include:
    • Wills
    • Deeds
    • Bank Books
    • Stock Certificates
    • Military Discharge Papers
    • Social Security Card
    • Tax Forms
    • Vehicle and Boat Titles
    • Insurance Policies
    • Anything else you think may be useful or important
    Sources:
    1. Liz Davidson, "How to Find a Good Lawyer When You Really Need One"
    2. Consumer Reports, "When You Need to Lawyer Up"
    3. Henry, Alan, "How to Find a Reputable Lawyer"