East Haven Wills and Probate Attorneys Help to Create Personal Legacies
Connecticut estate lawyers provide comprehensive counsel on asset distribution
It is essential to draft an enforceable last will and testament to make sure your family is provided for after your death. Likewise, after someone has died, efficient handling of the probate process is necessary so that the estate is distributed promptly and in accordance with the testator’s wishes. You can trust Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. to draft an authoritative will and handle a full range of probate tasks. From offices in East Haven and Hamden, our experienced Connecticut attorneys help clients accomplish their goals.
Established firm drafts sound wills to form the foundation of an overall estate plan
After discussing your situation and objectives, our firm can design an estate plan that is optimal for you. We make sure each element of your plan complies with state law, so it will be enforceable when the time comes. An essential element of every estate plan is a will. Even if you plan to rely on other methods to transfer assets, a will covers everything not otherwise accounted for. Your will should state:
- How and to whom your property is distributed
- Who will serve as executor
- Any other provisions you need to include
A disappointed family member might challenge the will in probate court on various legal grounds after you are deceased. Working with a qualified estate planning attorney helps ensure that your will is legally valid and includes all of the necessary provisions. You can trust our firm to do the job right.
Estate planning attorneys advise parents on guardianship instructions
If you have underage children, you can nominate a guardian for them in case they become orphaned. However, if the child is left without parents, the court is not bound to appoint the named person as guardian. If you need to handle guardianship issues along with your will, we can advise on appropriate language and do everything we can to make sure your decisions are honored.
What is probate?
Probate is the process by which the court supervises the administration of an estate. It begins with an application to probate the will. The estate’s executor transfers the decedent’s property into the estate, pays any outstanding debts, including taxes, and distributes the assets to the designated heirs. If there are any legal disputes, the executor works to resolve them or represents the estate in court. The process normally takes at least six months, although small estates may be eligible for a shorter, more simplified procedure. In addition, there are estate planning methods that can avoid probate entirely. We can explain the probate process in more detail and give you the information you need on alternative ways to transfer your property. If legal advocacy is required, our firm can represent you.
How to change your will
You can change your will any time you like, as long as you have the mental capacity to make sound decisions. The best way to do it is by destroying your existing will and replacing it with a new one, although you can amend it in part by executing a codicil. Various changes in your life or finances, such as divorce, a new job or additional children, can have a profound impact on your estate. It is therefore wise to review your existing will with a qualified attorney to determine if revisions are warranted. Our firm can work with you to see that your estate plan stays up to date.
Contact an experienced Connecticut wills and probate lawyer
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. helps Connecticut clients who need to create, update or probate wills. For more information, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Hamden and East Haven.