Probate is the legal process that takes place after the death of an individual. A deceased person’s estate is ‘testate’ if that person had a valid Last Will and Testament. If a person died without a will, their estate is ‘intestate’. The purpose of probate is to identify a decedent’s assets and creditors in order to ensure the assets of an individual are transferred after death to the heirs and/or devisees of a person’s will.
The loss of a loved one can be unspeakably difficult, especially if their death is unexpected. Johnson Legal’s probate department can assist you in the administration of the Estate in accordance with the deceased Last Will and Testament through your role as the Estate’s executor (known as a Personal Representative in Maine). When tragedy strikes and there is no Will or Estate Plan in place, we can help you locate assets and secure the rightful distributions of benefits. And yes, sometimes family members don’t always agree on how an estate should be distributed. We have experience with probate court litigation, and seeking resolution through family mediation. We have administrated Estates in all probate courts in all counties in the State of Maine.
We are here to walk you through your probate issues and make your duties as a Personal Representative as painless as possible so you can focus on family and the needs of your own life.