Centennial Probate Attorney

Providing Probate Solutions for Residents of Denver, Centennial & Arapahoe County

Dealing with the passing of a relative or other loved one is not only emotionally difficult, but it also presents challenging legal issues. Generally, such legal matters involve the disposition of the deceased person’s property and payment of their debts. Often, different parties may have competing claims over the decedent’s assets and property, which might not be resolved without engaging in litigation. Understanding the intricacies of probate law is crucial to navigate these issues efficiently and effectively.

If you have been confronted with the task of distributing a deceased loved one’s property, you should contact the Law Office of Alexandra White, P.C., to consult our experienced probate attorney in Centennial for legal advice. Attorney Krista Beauchamp has a sophisticated understanding of the legal issues that arise in probate disputes. Our team is committed to ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored and that their estate is managed with care and professionalism.

To learn more about our probate services, please contact our probate lawyer in Centennial at (303) 647-4245 today.

Compassionate Probate Services in Centennial

The law of probate concerns how the assets and liabilities of a deceased person—known as the testamentary estate—will be distributed upon their death. In probate proceedings, courts try to resolve conflicting claims based on the wishes of the deceased person. However, without live testimony from the decedent about their intent, the court can only rely on evidence such as the decedent’s Last Will and Testament. It is crucial to ensure that such documents are up to date and legally sound to reflect true intentions.

During probate proceedings, the court appoints a person to act as the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. A personal representative has a legal obligation to administer and protect the decedent’s estate according to the decedent’s wishes and Colorado probate law. Effective estate planning and a knowledgeable probate attorney in Centennial can streamline this process significantly.

At the Law Office of Alexandra White, P.C., we will compassionately guide you through the following probate issues:

• Informal probate proceedings: The Colorado Probate Code provides an informal probate process in cases where there are no competing claims regarding the decedent’s estate. This process is more expedient than probate proceedings with contested estates.
• Administration of small estates: Under the Colorado Probate Code, estates valued under $64,000 in personal property and with no real estate can be administered in a special, simplified proceeding.
• Supervised probate administration: In certain cases, the court must supervise the personal representative in the administration of a decedent’s estate. Typically, matters involving disputes about the appropriate distribution of the estate require court supervision of the probate case. The Court may also supervise administration if the original will cannot be found or if the registrar has concerns about the authenticity of the will.
• Appointment of personal representatives: The Colorado Probate Code governs the appointment of a personal representative for a decedent’s estate. Typically, this role is determined per the provisions of a valid will. However, Colorado law provides a list of appropriate people to fill this role if there is not an appointment listed in a will. Anyone may be nominated for the role, though, if the other qualifying individuals sign nominations and renounce their right to claim the role.
• Legal rights and responsibilities of personal representatives: A personal representative serves as the person responsible for handling the administration of a testamentary estate in place of the decedent. They must adhere to specific powers and duties outlined in the Colorado Probate Code.

Local Probate Challenges in Centennial

In Centennial and the surrounding areas, probate proceedings can be influenced by specific regional dynamics, such as property values, local judicial procedures, and family structures. Understanding how these elements play into probate administration is vital for a smoother process. Engaging local legal professionals familiar with Arapahoe County's probate court system can mitigate challenges and optimize outcomes for involved parties. Another regional challenge often involves the treatment of nontraditional family arrangements, which may require special legal considerations and documentation to ensure equitable distribution of assets. Our team assists clients by developing personalized strategies that align with both their specific family situation and regional precedents.

Common Terms in Probate

Understanding the following terms may help you navigate the probate process more easily:

• Decedent - An individual who has died.
• Testator - An individual who drafted a will.
• Beneficiary - An individual named by a testator to receive property from a will or trust.
• Personal representative or executor - A person named in a will to distribute the testator's estate among their beneficiaries and work with the probate court to ensure the decedent's last wishes are fulfilled and the probate process goes smoothly.
• Laws of intestate succession - When a person dies without a valid will, certain state laws (called intestate laws) govern what happens to their estate.
• Heir - An individual directly related to a decedent who often acts as a personal representative in intestate cases.

Keeping these terms in mind will help you navigate the probate process more easily and accurately. 

How the Probate Process Works in Centennial

Most probate cases follow the same pattern:

• A personal representative files for probate with the probate court;
• The court works with the personal representative and other individuals to validate the decedent's will;
• The personal representative issues a notice informing the testator's beneficiaries and creditors of their death and the probate proceedings;
• The personal representative completes an inventory of the testator's estate and documents it with the court;
• Beneficiaries may come forward to contest the validity of the will;
• The personal representative has the opportunity to liquidate the testator's assets to repay any outstanding debts they had with creditors;
• The personal representative distributes remaining property among the beneficiaries named in the will;
• The court finalizes the probate process.

It’s important to note that there are ways to circumvent probate - many decedents draft a will to award certain property to beneficiaries, such as real estate, that can take a long time to get through probate. Engaging in mechanisms like trusts or joint ownership can provide easier transitions outside probate constraints. Our Centennial probate attorneys can help you navigate your probate case and safeguard the legacy of your loved one. Our insightful guidance aims to make complex processes understandable and to facilitate peace during probate support.