Probate 

The attorneys of the Pearson Law Office offer years of experience in handling estates of all sizes. Our responsibility is to guide the Executor/Executrix (known as a Personal Representative in some states) through the probate of the decedent's Last Will and Testament; help him or her discover the debts of the estate (including any taxes); establish an estate account to pay the debts; and collect and distribute the estate assets following the decedent's wishes set forth in the provisions of the Will. We also is notify all of the heirs and keep them abreast of the progress of settling the estate. 

Most estates take a minimum of six months to complete the probate process. Many questions inevitably arise during this period, and our firm is always ready to discuss with the Executor any aspect of the estate to ensure a smooth and uneventful administration. 

If the decedent leaves no Will, his or her bills will, nevertheless, have to be paid, and the assets such as real estate, vehicles, household items, bank accounts, savings etc. will have to be distributed among the heirs. Someone must qualify to do these things. If the person who qualifies is male, he will be known as the Administrator; a female will be known as the Administratrix. Without the written wishes of the deceased to go by, the disposal of the property can become complex. Those who are handling such estates are especially appreciative of the knowledge of the attorney helping them with this obligation.

(For those persons who may live in another state, but have been called upon to settle the estate of a friend or family member who died in our area of Nebraska and/or has property located here The Pearson Law Office is happy to help you be appointed to administer the estate, and we have much experience in assisting with ancillary probate.)  

When the resources of an estate are small and/or everything is jointly owned, it is often our practice at the Johnson Law Partnership to petition the court to probate the Last Will and Testament and name an Executor or Executrix but to dispense with the formal administration of the estate allowing the direct transfer of certain properties. Or if there is no Will, to simply appoint an Administrator or Administratrix and again dispense with the formal administration. It is important to seek competent legal help when contemplating such a step.  

In fact, it is of great benefit to all of those who are entrusted with the settling of an estate, whether named by the Will or appointed by the Probate Court, to have direction from a competent attorney while navigating the legal requirements, including meeting various deadlines such as inventories, tax filings, etc. The Pearson Law Office is fully familiar with these steps in settling estates and is glad to help those in need of such services and bases our fees upon the type of service we provide.  Please contact us with questions of for more information.