Lawyers

The need for a lawyer is dependent upon the complexity of the estate.  In matters of land, property, stocks and bonds, multi-beneficiaries, feuding beneficiaries, or a complicated Will, it is probably wise to involve a lawyer.  A small or simple estate can easily be handled by the family.

Where there is a Will, it is up to the executor to decide if he or she wishes to use a lawyer or do the work on their own.  If there is no Will (intestate), the family in a small estate may simply make the appropriate changes themselves.  If the estate is more complex, the family may file with the court for letters of administration to disperse the estate themselves.  However, in the former instance, a lawyer may be used.  If you decided to try it on your own, three things:  take your time, do it properly, and if you run into too many problems it is wise to have a lawyer aid you.

If you are going to use a lawyer choose him or her very carefully, make sure he/she is reliable and efficient, you should always ask the lawyer how long it will take to probate and what the cost will be.  Do not hesitate to call him/her regularly to keep updated.  You are paying for a service; if you do not receive satisfaction you are well within your rights to move to another lawyer.  Remember that just because a particular lawyer made the Will and holds it at his or her office, you are not bound to use that lawyer to probate the estate.  Pick out a lawyer you can trust and put faith in.  If you do not know any lawyers, ask friends and relatives for suggestions.  It may well be wise to ask the funeral director as he/she works with all the lawyers on a continuing basis.  If you need a lawyer and financially are unable to afford one, then you can contact the Sudbury Legal Clinic for help at 674-3200, 40 Elm Street, Sudbury.