Little Rock Probate Attorneys

At WH Law, we understand that dealing with the loss of a loved one is tough. The last thing you need is the added stress of navigating the probate process alone. Our probate attorneys in Little Rock are here to make the process easier. We want to help you and your loved ones focus on more important things, like gathering together to remember your late parent, spouse, friend, or relative.

Our team listens and cares for your well-being. To us, you won’t be another client on a sheet of paper. You’re one of our own, and we’ll do anything to help you get through these difficult times. More importantly, we’ll fight like hell for what matters to you.

Our Little Rock estate lawyers will help you through every step of the probate process, from validating wills to distributing assets and resolving debts.

When you work with us, you’ll feel like you’re talking to a friend who’s got your back. We break down legal jargon into plain, simple language so you always know what’s going on.

With WH Law, you’re not just another case. You’re part of our community, and we take that seriously.

Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you through your probate law case.

An Overview of Probate Law

Probate law focuses on how the estate assets of a deceased person will be distributed. It settles the steps to take when managing a loved one’s estate after they have passed away.

Generally, if a person leaves a valid will, it will name someone as their executor or administrator. This individual will ensure the probate process is conducted according to law and as closely as possible to the deceased’s wishes.

Probate law determines how to distribute your loved one’s estate assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and investments. Beneficiaries receive these assets.

This process can be memorable and meaningful. Family members and friends may talk about the times they enjoyed at the house they inherited or how surprised they are that their late loved one saved so much to care for their financial futures.

But there are times when certain individuals feel they were unrightfully left out of the will or that someone tampered with it. It’s times like that when you’ll have to find some of the most righteous probate lawyers Little Rock has ever seen.

Whether you’re challenging a will or defending it, WH Law’s Little Rock probate attorneys will help set things straight and ensure you and your loved ones can grieve in peace.

Probate Law in Little Rock, Arkansas

The laws for estate administration and probate proceedings can differ between states, including Little Rock, AR. It’s a good idea to go over some of the big differences our state holds, so let’s go over some of them here:

Avoid Probate with a Small Estate

Arkansas state law allows for estates to avoid probate courts if their total value is below $100,000. In these cases, all you need to do is file an affidavit listing your loved one’s estate assets and confirm that all debts and taxes they left behind will be paid off. After that, you can distribute assets to all rightful heirs.

Handwritten Wills are Valid

In Arkansas, a handwritten will is considered valid when it is entirely written in the deceased’s handwriting. It must also be signed by the deceased and dated at the time it was written. Under these circumstances, this kind of will also doesn’t need to include the signatures of any witness.

Distribution Without a Will

If someone dies without a will in Arkansas, the laws in place ensure that the estate is properly distributed to their families. For example, if the deceased has a surviving spouse and children, the spouse would get one-third of the estate, and the rest is equally split among their children. If someone passes away without children or a spouse, the estate goes to their parents or siblings.

Limited Time for Filing Probate

In Arkansas, probate must be started within five years of the person’s death. If you wait longer than five years, you can’t start the process. This rule ensures that estates are handled in a timely manner, making it easier to manage the deceased person’s assets and debts.

These are just some specific differences in Arkansas’s estate and probate laws. For help in probate and estate administration, Little Rock residents can depend on WH Law.

We will guide you through the legal process while supporting you and your loved ones through the loss of your friend or family member. Call us today and let us know how we can help.

The Probate Process

The process of going through probate can be tricky to navigate. That’s why many work with experienced legal professionals in estate and probate law, like our team at WH Law.

Our Little Rock estate lawyers have years of experience helping families and individuals work through probate court, ensuring they file the right documents and follow proper procedures.

To make things even easier, our legal team also provides estate planning services, helping individuals prepare wills and trusts so their affairs are all taken care of.

To help make probate easier for you, here’s a brief description of how the process would go:

  1. Starting the Process: It all begins with the executor or administrator submitting the death certificate and will to the probate court. If there is no will, then the state will have to weigh the case themselves, making the process longer than with a will.
  2. Inventorying the Estate: The executor or personal representative is responsible for locating and taking inventory of all the deceased person’s assets, including real estate, personal property, bank accounts, and investments.
  3. Appraising the Estate: The value of the estate must be determined. This often involves hiring appraisers to assess the value of real estate and other significant assets.
  4. Notifying Heirs and Creditors: Once the estate is opened, heirs and creditors must be notified. This allows them to make any claims they have against the estate.
  5. Paying Debts and Taxes: Any outstanding debts and taxes must be paid before the estate is distributed to heirs and beneficiaries. This includes final income taxes and estate taxes, if applicable.
  6. Distributing the Estate: After debts and taxes are settled, the remaining assets are distributed according to the will or, if there is no will, according to Arkansas law.
  7. Closing the Estate: Finally, the executor or personal representative will file a final account with the court and request to close the estate, concluding the probate process.

This whole process can take some time to get done. But, with help from a Little Rock probate attorney from WH Law, you’ll understand how to get through the probate proceeding and complete the process sooner rather than later.

Need help with probate or your estate plan? Get in touch with our experienced Little Rock estate lawyers at WH Law.

What Our Little Rock Probate Lawyers Will Do For You

When broken down, probate may seem simple. We’ll admit that depending on how well-planned the estate is, you may not need a lawyer at all.

But in many cases, grieving families and individuals need some support. At WH Law, we hope to help you settle your loved one’s estate properly. Then, you can get the time you deserve to remember and move on from their passing. Here are some things we bring to the table:

A Faster Path Through Probate Cases

With a probate court attorney, Little Rock families can start and finish their process much more efficiently through probate court.

This can be very important in certain cases. For example, if the deceased person were a parent who was lost to a tragic accident, their spouse and children would need the resources from their estate soon.

We may not know the whole situation, but WH Law knows and feels for your loss. Working with us means working with the most passionate team of probate lawyers Little Rock citizens will find.

Expert Assistance in Financial and Tax Matters

Probate often involves matters related to the deceased person’s finances, including their remaining debts and taxes. Everyone knows how much of a hassle those can be.

With the best probate court attorney Little Rock has to offer, WH Law can easily lay debt and tax issues to rest. We’ll provide a bunch of ways for you to minimize creditor harassment. That way, you can peacefully grieve and make payments at a more convenient time.

No BS, Just Clear Guidance

We at WH Law know that anything getting in the way of grieving can be frustrating. While we can’t get rid of any and all issues with your loved one’s estate, we can help make it easier.

Our team of Little Rock probate lawyers works to fit our approach to your needs. We stay available on your schedule and prepare ourselves to resolve issues unique to your case.

More importantly, we cut through the BS and break everything down in the plainest terms. That way, you can fulfill the probate court requirements with zero confusion or complications.

We will also smooth things out across all parties. This way, there will be as few problems as possible over the course of your probate process.

With our expertise in estate administration, Little Rock natives are able to get through the grieving and legal process peacefully. All we want as a team at WH LAW is to use our abilities to help everyday people get through their toughest moments.

Do you need help getting through probate court? No problem. Talk to WH Law now. We’re ready, plain and simple.

Common Issues During Probate & in Probate Court

Probate cases can sometimes involve unexpected problems. They can easily be avoided with some effective estate planning. That said, it’s important to know what problems can come up. Here are a few common issues that arise and how we handle them:

  • Will Contests: Disputes over the validity of a will can delay the probate process. Our elder law attorneys are skilled in resolving these disputes efficiently, ensuring the deceased’s wishes are fully honored.
  • Complex Estates: Large or complicated estates usually require careful management. We have the expertise to handle these complexities and ensure everything is properly accounted for.
  • Debt Resolution: Dealing with creditors can be stressful. We’ll handle all communications with them. That way, you can get some peace and ensure the debts are paid from the estate according to the law.
  • Lack of Will or Trust: If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to Arkansas intestacy laws. We’ll guide you through this process and ensure the rightful heirs receive their inheritance.

WH Law: An Experienced Team of Little Rock Estate Lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the toughest experiences. Dealing with something like probate administration should be the last thing on your mind. Let WH Law take some of the burden off your shoulders.

Our Little Rock probate lawyers deal with all your probate matters. Together, we can sort things out, giving you and your family and friends more time to remember the loved ones who have passed.

If you need a law firm that cares, contact WH Law and get a free consultation today.

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FAQs

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.

Here are some answers to some of the most popular questions regarding the probate process

  • How long does the probate process take?

    It depends on how large the estate is, but it usually takes around six months to a year.

  • Can I avoid the probate process? How?

    In the state of Arkansas, estates with a value below $100,000 can often avoid probate court. Otherwise, certain assets held within a living trust or that have named beneficiaries may also be able to skip probate.

    There are many different ways to do this, but the best way to simplify everything is through a proper estate plan. Talk to WH Law about all your estate planning matters. We can help get everything you need settled fast.

  • Are there any probate fees or costs I should know about?

    There are quite a few fees that you may have to pay during the probate process. This includes court costs, attorney fees, accounting fees, property and business valuation costs, and more.

    Costs tend to increase with the size of the estate’s value, but some can be avoided through proper estate and tax planning.

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