Estates
At Assiniboia Law Group, we understand that dealing with the estate of a loved one can be complex and emotionally charged. Our dedicated team of experienced legal professionals are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Whether you are dealing with Probate (an estate with a will), or an Administration (an estate without a will), our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you understand the process and knowing that you have taken care of your loved one’s estate as they wished.
Probate: Just because there is a will, does not necessarily mean that it has to go through the court process known as Probate. With some well thought out estate planning the probate process may be avoided completely. When it is required, the are several common considerations. Making sure the funeral is arranged and paid for, making sure all the debts of the estate are paid, making sure the assets of the estate are identified and that those assets end up in the correct hands according to the will.
Letters of Probate or Administration: Without a court order (called “Letters”) you do not have the authority to act as the representative of an estate. To get them, you need to collect information required by the court and to service certain information on those with an interest in the estate. Who those may be will depend on the details of the estate.
Guardianship Designations: If your loved one has underage children without a parent, ensuring the children have a legal guardian become crucial, as well as ensuring any money left to the children is managed properly.
Bequests: If a specific gift is left to a person, charity or other group in a will, it is called a bequest. These get dispersed after debts are paid, but before any other gifts are paid out from the estate
Residue: When all the debts and bequests are paid out, what remains is called the residue of the estate. Whether it is a Probate or and Administration, there will be certain people who will get a share of the residue.
Whether you’re planning for the future or dealing with the loss of a loved one, we’re here to provide compassionate, comprehensive legal support. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of estate law.