And, even if you haven’t been impacted by the recession, you may still have encountered financial hardships along the way. Maybe you have lost a job or have had to take a substantial cut in pay. Maybe you have had unexpected medical bills. Have you tried to manage your debt, but can’t keep up?  If you qualify for Chapter 7 relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code, you may be able to discharge your debt and get a fresh start. If you do not qualify for Chapter 7 relief, you may still be able to manage your debt with a repayment plan under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. You may also have non-bankruptcy options available to you to help you manage your debt.

I have years of experience helping people like you with their debts. I will explain all of your options and help you choose a strategy of debt elimination or management that best suits your case. Call us for a free consultation.

Do you have a viable claim? How can you pursue your claim? Do not hesitate to call an attorney. Mistakes can be made in a short time after an accident that can negatively impact your claim. Call us for advice about your case. You will not be charged legal fees unless I am able to recover compensation for your injuries.

When a person dies having a valid will, they are said to have died “testate.”  In such cases, personal representatives are normally named in the will and those persons, if living and willing to serve, normally petition the court to open a probate estate. Also, when there is a will, beneficiaries are usually named in the will who are designated to receive certain assets of the decent (specific bequests) and/or a percentage of the net estate (general bequests). When a person dies without a will, they are said to have died “intestate.”  In such cases, an “interested person” will normally petition to open a probate estate and be appointed personal representative and the net assets of the estate will ultimately be distributed to the “heirs” of the decedent. Those who are considered the “heirs” of a decedent are determined by state law.

There are various types of probate proceedings. The type of probate proceeding which is most appropriate is determined by factors such as the size and complexity of the estate. In the case of small estates, “summary procedures” may be available, which can normally get small estates settled in less time than larger estates. Some of the types of probate proceedings that are available include formal and informal probate, summary assignment, summary settlement and transfer by affidavit.

An experienced attorney can help determine which type of probate is appropriate, prepare all documents necessary to open an estate, properly interpret the provisions of a will, guide the personal representative through the administration of the estate and take all steps necessary to close the estate as expeditiously as possible. I have 30 years of experience representing personal representatives in probate proceedings. I also have experience in probate related litigation, such as will contests and lost will litigation. In the rare cases where a will is being contested or where the original will of a decedent is lost, call an attorney with experience. Call me for a free consultation.