As soon as a loved one passes on, the probate process can be rigid and overwhelming to those involved. That’s why hiring a probate lawyer such as probate lawyer Lakeland can help you simplify the process. Granted, there are some common mistakes that you can make when working with a probate lawyer. In most instances it’s because you are exhausted, worked up and even sad due to the circumstances that have befallen you.
The mistakes made can cause unnecessary stress and even end up in legal complications. We will explore five common mistakes to avoid when working with a probate lawyer to ensure that the process is not only smooth but also successful.
1.Failing to communicate effectively
When you and your probate lawyer fail to communicate effectively, it’s one of the mistakes that has significant consequences that are legal that emotional. Failure to communicate effectively in this instance means failure to furnish your lawyer with important information and updates regarding the deceased’s estates. This may make it difficult for the probate lawyer to represent your interests fully and even make informed decisions that favor you.
The other failure happens when you fail to understand a legal advice given to you but you fail to ask for clarifications from your probate lawyer. To avoid such a mistake, always aim to keep a clear channel of communication between you and your lawyer and ask for clarifications when you are unsure about something.
2.Not providing accurate information
This mistake is another costly one which may lead you to missing opportunities and add to possible legal and ethical problems. To begin with, your probate lawyer relies on the information you provide so as to make accurate decisions and represent your interests.
Some of the information you provide whether knowingly or unknowingly may mislead your lawyer, making him to misunderstand the issue at hand. Always provide truthful information when required to do so, doing so in a timely manner.
3.Disregarding the probate lawyer’s advice
Each time the probate lawyer asks you to be fair, you need to take the advice seriously. As an executor or beneficiary, you might be tempted to favor one person over the other, which goes against your lawyer’s advice. This will eventually lead to legal issues that may take year’s to resolve.
It might be prudent for you to work with other beneficiaries together with the lawyer as this will speed up the process, leading to an efficient distribution process.
4.Delaying important tasks
Many legal processes have tasks that are homebound, with strict deadlines which must be met. Some of these tasks involve filing specific legal documents, and responding to legal requests. Having lost a loved one, you might be too stressed to think straight, but that does’t absolve you from the responsibilities at hand.
Delaying too much may lead to missed opportunities such as time-saving strategies. You can make a plan then prioritize the tasks in order of importance.
- Overlooking potential disputes
Disputes among beneficiaries and even interested parties can drag the probate process for months. This is because the disputes give rise to legal challenges which take time and even valuable resources before they are resolved. In the end, those directly involved end up losing financially because the value of the estate decreases.
Having a discussion with interested parties and beneficiaries before hiring a probate lawyer is very important. After all, you’ll end avoiding a strained relationship among family members.
When you work hand in hand with a lawyer, the often complicated probate process can run smoothly and successfully. And if you follow your lawyer’s advice to the letter, the deceased’s assets and estate will be distributed according to their wishes.
