Probate

Serving as executor or administrator of an estate can be a daunting task, but Garrity & Gossage’s attorneys and staff will help you through the process.

Is probate always necessary?

No.  The assets someone owned at death and the debts he owed will determine whether a formal administration of the estate is necessary.

My wife died without a will but I still get everything, right?

Not necessarily.  You’re entitled to a Year’s Allowance (up to $30,000) and a portion of what she owned, but you aren’t likely to get everything if she didn’t have a will.

How can Garrity & Gossage help with probate?

We can do as much or as little as you like. In most cases, we open the estate, obtain a tax ID number, publish the Notice to Creditors, prepare the Inventory and prepare the Accounts required by the court.  If all goes well, you’ll never have to go to the courthouse – we deal with the court on your behalf.

How much will it cost?

Our firm’s fees will depend largely on what’s involved.  For example, if the estate has a great deal of debt to pay or negotiate, or if heirs argue over assets they wish to have, our time involved will increase but in most cases, our representation for an estate will be less than $2,000.  All fees and expenses can be paid from the estate’s funds with court approval.