"Rebecca Doyle ESQ. prepared our will and legal documents. She was very knowledgeable and pleasant. She answered all our questions. We are very satisfied with Ms. Doyle and her staff. If you need to prepare your will and health proxy we highly recommend her services."
Estate and Trust Administration
Our Condolences
If you’re seeking guidance on the estate process following the passing of a loved one, we wish to extend our deepest condolences for your loss. We recognize that navigating this process can be daunting, particularly during such a challenging period, and we’re here to offer support.
Overview of the Probate Process in Delaware
Probate is the legal process by which a court ensures the proper distribution of assets from the deceased to their legal heirs or beneficiaries.
It typically involves validating the will, appointing an estate representative, gathering and appraising assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property as the will or state law dictates.
The probate process is public, subject to legal formalities, and must adhere to court filing deadlines. Delaware offers simplified probate proceedings under certain conditions, and with proper planning, it’s possible to avoid probate altogether.
In Delaware, a straightforward probate case without disputes usually takes about a year due to creditor claims and final accounting requirements. The administration process can be complex and may lead to family disputes. Each estate is unique.
Doyle Law specializes in a range of probate and estate administration services across Sussex County, Kent County, and New Castle County in Delaware. Our experienced team is dedicated to navigating clients through the complexities of probate with sensitivity and expertise following the loss of a loved one.
Representing You as a Personal Representative in Estate Matters: Our Process
We provide an initial consultation to effectively analyze the administration of your loved one’s estate, clarify the process, and address all your estate-related inquiries in a comprehensible way.
Upon engagement, our services include:
– Filing for a simplified probate process with documents like Small Estate Affidavits and Jointly Held Property Affidavits when suitable;
– Initiating the estate process (including ancillary estates or securing exemplified copies of the estate, if needed) by submitting the Last Will and Testament, death certificate, and requisite opening documents to the Office of the Register of Wills;
– Issuing notices to the estate’s beneficiaries and creditors as needed;
– Aiding in the discovery, location, collection, and documentation of the decedent’s assets;
– Assisting with the settlement of debts and creditor claims, along with other emerging matters;
– Ensuring the court’s satisfaction with all creditor claims;
– Helping prepare and file the estate’s asset accounting, and managing the payment of debts, estate expenses, and funeral costs;
– Facilitating the distribution of assets to beneficiaries as dictated by will, trust, or intestate succession laws;
– Supporting the sale of assets, if necessary, to settle the decedent’s debts;
– Managing bequests to minor beneficiaries.
Our team is dedicated to streamlining the estate administration process and reducing its complexity, ensuring the decedent’s estate planning intentions are honored.
For more information, contact us to arrange a complimentary consultation.