Best Probate Lawyers in Columbus, GA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Columbus, Georgia?

  You may contact 311 and 706-653-4000 for non-emergency services and government information in Columbus.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Columbus, Georgia?

  To request an incident report online, complete and submit the form at https://www.columbusga.gov/police/Reports/Request-a-Report. You may also personally visit or mail your request to the following address:

  Columbus Police Department Attn: Records Public Safety Building, 510 10th Street, Columbus, GA 31902

  Or you may contact the department at 706-653-3205.

• How much does probate cost in Columbus?

  The costs involved in probate in Columbus vary widely, although there is a general range. Uncontested probates may cost from $1,500 to $3,000. If the estate is contested, the probate cost could reach $3,000 to more than $10,000. Fees that should be shouldered by the estate include:

  • attorney fees
  • appraisal, accounting, and land survey fees
  • filing and court fees
  • compensation and fees for executors, which state law mandates as approximately 2.5% of the estate’s total value
  • probate/executor bonds.

• How can probate be avoided in Columbus?

  Probate in Columbus can be skipped for some estates with no will as long as each inheritor agrees on how the assets are divided, the estate has no outstanding debts, and creditors have no issue bypassing the process. Some assets can also avoid probate, such as those in joint tenancy with a right to survivorship, those with a named beneficiary such as retirement and payable-on-death accounts, and revocable living trusts and life insurance policies.

• What would happen if a Columbus will is not filed for probate?

  If a Columbus will is not filed for probate by the executor or individual possessing it, they can get into trouble. According to Georgia law, the probate court can cite the individual for contempt and imprison and fine them until they deliver the will. In other words, that person may face criminal and civil charges for not filing it.

• When should a will be filed in Columbus?

  Georgia law, particularly Georgia Code 53-5, states that a person in Columbus who possesses a will should file it promptly with the court. The will must be filed as soon as possible upon the death of the testator, offered for probate no later than five years after someone is appointed as the personal representative of the estate, or after the court says that an estate does not need an administrator or personal representative.

• What is the jurisdiction of a Georgia probate court that presides over Columbus estates?

  A Georgia probate court that processes estates in Columbus has exclusive jurisdiction over the following:

  • the probate and administration of a decedent’s estates
  • the appointment of guardians of properties and persons of incapacitated individuals and minors
  • the commitment of individuals to the involuntary treatment of substance addiction and mental illness.

• What does a probate attorney do?

  Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

• What is probate court?

  Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

• How long do you have to file probate after death?

  The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

• Does life insurance go through probate?

  Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

• Do household items go through probate?

  While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

• Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

  In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

• What happens if no probate is filed?

  Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

• What is probate real estate?

  Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

  It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

• How many years can an estate remain in probate?

  If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

• When is a will's probate an automatic process?

  Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

• What does it mean when property is under probate?

  Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.