How the Probate Process Works
Probate is a court-supervised process that involves proving a will, appointing an executor and settling an estate after someone has died. The Law Office of Daniel K. Balaloski handles all aspects of trust and estate administration, assisting our clients in preparing and filing all necessary court documents and tax returns. Some of our probate and trust administrative services include:
• Probate court filings• Assistance with asset transfers• Estate tax returns• Estate and trust income tax returns• Preparation of accountings for estates and trusts• Gift tax returns• Decedent’s final income tax returns
The Law Office of Daniel K. Balaloski handles estate and trust administration with efficiency and skill. The process begins with proving that the will is valid and that it was the decedent's final statement regarding the distribution of his or her assets.
Next, the estate is inventoried. All assets and debts are identified and evaluated. When necessary, we retain experts to assist in the evaluation process.
Assets are first used to pay debts, including bills for final medical expenses and state and federal taxes. The remaining assets are distributed according to those designated as beneficiaries in the will.
The laws that govern your estate can be very complex. Far too many estates require what can sometimes be very costly probate administration proceedings because individuals did not have a professionally prepared estate plan. At the Law Office of Daniel K. Balaloski, we create "right-sized" estate plans to ensure families are protected and assets are distributed pursuant to your wishes. However, when the need arises, we provide experienced advocacy to help families through the probate process. We work to obtain will settlements and resolve estate disputes efficiently and effectively so that the family can grieve and move on. Contact our Columbus law firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced probate law attorney.
Before assets can be distributed to heirs, the decedent's will must be filed and admitted by the probate court. An orignal will is presumed valid, however the probate laws offer interested parties an opportunity to ensure the validity of a will.
Estate plans that are not carefully and professionally drafted can end in contested wills or other costly probate litigation. Due to the nature of probate litigation, these proceedings can often be very emotional. In these cases, grief-stricken survivors have to face complicated court matters which can quickly overwhelm them. In addition, contested matters can severely strain family relationships. Our firm can assist you in resolving probate litigation. Our ultimate goal is to obtain a speedy settlement to your satisfaction, to keep bitter disputes from destroying your family relationships and to limit the estate's exposure to high legal bills.
We will handle cases involving any probate administration or litigation issue, including the following:
- Disputes of asset ownership
- Will or trust contests and disputes (duress, fraud, undue influence)
- Missing assets or concealed assets
- Contested guardianships
- Appointment of fiduciaries (executors or administrators)
- Validity of transfers outside of probate
- Suspicious real estate transfers (sales or gifts)
- Whether you are looking to dispute a will or need help defending a valid will, our firm can help.
Our mission is to give families the care and attention they deserve as we help them through the probate process. We do so with as little litigation and emotional upheaval as possible. If you need an attorney to help settle a family member's estate, give us a call: (614) 445-9000, or contact us by email at ohiolegaladvice@gmail.com.
Daniel K. Balaloski, is a Columbus Ohio Probate, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Real Estate, and Business Law Attorney (Lawyer). The Law Office of Daniel K. Balaloski represents clients in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio, including residents of Ashville, Baltimore, Bexley, Blacklick, Brice, Canal Winchester, Carroll, Clintonville, Columbus, Commercial Point, Dublin, Eastmoor, Easton, Etna, Gahanna, Galloway, German Village, Grandview Heights, Granville, Grove City, Groveport, Harrisburg, Heath, Hilliard, Italian Village, Johnstown, Lancaster, Lewis Center, Lincoln Village, Linworth, Lithopolis, Lockbourne, Marble Cliff, Minerva Park, New Albany, Newark, Obetz, Pickerington, Polaris, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Riverlea, Short North, South Bloomfield, Upper Arlington, Urbancrest, Valleyview, Victorian Village, Westerville, Whitehall, and Worthington. Daniel K. Balaloski also serves clients in Franklin County, Delaware County, Licking County, Fairfield County, Pickaway County, Madison County, and Union County.
• Probate • Estate Planning • Estate Administration • Wills • Trusts • Elder Law
• Business Law • Corporations • Limited Liability Companies • Liquor Transfers • Real Estate
• Business Law • Corporations • Limited Liability Companies • Liquor Transfers • Real Estate
Daniel K. Balaloski | 1188 South High Street | Columbus, Ohio 43206 | Phone: (614) 445-9000 | Fax: (614) 444-1501
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