Handling Probate in Arapahoe County

Help from a Compassionate Lawyer Serving Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver and Jefferson County!

Probate begins as a court-supervised process of gathering and distributing the assets of a recently deceased individual. This process can become long and costly if unusual assets are involved, or the family doesn't have the proper legal assistance. At our firm, we work with clients to make sure that all legal tasks are taken care of in an understanding, efficient and effective manner so that the family can quickly move through the probate process. We efficiently file all the necessary documents and paperwork, help you organize the information and distribution plans and represent you in court for any needed proceedings.

We know that when a loved one passes away, it is a stressful time and our goal is to assist our clients in a personal, caring manner to ensure that they understand the process and we provide clarity on the family's responsibilities and tasks. We can order certified copies of the death certificate, deposit the original will, have property appraised, and advise on tax issues and distribution plans. Our entire probate team is available to answer all of your questions and give you legal and practical guidance throughout the process of their case.

Our firm understands the importance of clear and precise communication, especially when it comes to handling a loved one's estate. Dealing with the distribution of estates and appraisal of properties can be difficult during such an emotional time. At The Law Office of Steven R. Owens, P.C., we are personal in every aspect of our service. If you would like more information on how we may be able to help, schedule a free consultation today.

Want to avoid probate?

When a loved one dies, the process of distributing their assets to inheritors or debtors through the courts and the probate process can take an emotional toll on family members, as well as cause unneeded expense and delay. We encourage our clients to take steps today to avoid the difficulties of the probate process. For most clients, this will mean the creation of a living trust.

A living trust is especially recommended when you own assets that can be difficult to administer in probate proceedings, such as:

• Real estate
• Partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations
• Closely held businesses
• Farm or ranch properties
• Water rights
• Out of state property, including real estate
• Mineral interests
• Oil and gas royalties
• Bank accounts, investment accounts and brokerage accounts
• Large, valuable or collectible vehicles
• Livestock or other large animals

Creating a living trust not only avoids probate, but allows you to name someone as a trustee over your assets if you were to pass away or suffer a disability. Our legal team has the experience to assist you with creating a living trust and follow the proper steps to appointing a successor trustee. We can also advise you on how to use other techniques, such as payable-on-death designations for bank accounts and transfer-on-death registrations or deeds for securities, vehicles and real estate to avoid probate proceedings.

If you have not prepared for probate through any of these processes, you may still be eligible for a simplified course of probate, depending on your loved one's estate size. Whether you are facing a complicated probate process or looking to avoid the emotional stress, we have the experience to help. We have more than 20 years of experience working with people who want to create a legacy plan that will avoid complication, wasted time and expenses for their loved ones.

For more information on probate law and the potential challenges you might be facing when dealing with a deceased's estate, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.