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170 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830

Greenwich Wills, Trusts, and Probate Lawyers

Greenwich Wills, Trusts, & Probate Lawyer

Serving New Canaan, Darien, and Norwalk, Connecticut

Wills, trusts, and potential probate proceedings are rarely at the top of a list of matters which one would like to be involved. However, a little preparation with help from an attorney knowledgeable in wills, trusts, and probate can go a long way in helping you and your heirs avoid headaches later on. If you are ready to start thinking about what you would like to happen to your assets when they are no longer of use to you, now is the time to contact Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC to learn more about your options.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process for settling the debts of a decedent, paying the applicable taxes, and distributing assets to the appropriate beneficiaries. Depending on several factors, probate can be a simple and quick process or a long, drawn out one. Some of the issues that affect the Connecticut probate process include:

  1. Size of the estate. Estates worth less than $20,000 and comprised of only personal assets may be settled without going through probate courts.
  2. The existence of a will. Without an official will, the assets must be distributed according to Connecticut laws of intestacy.
  3. The quality of the will and other arrangements, including trusts. A well-organized estate is more likely to be quickly settled and distributed than one that is hastily arranged or done without legal guidance.

How Can a Will and/or Trust Affect the Probate Process?

Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, a will may be the only document necessary to ensure that the assets are passed on to the desired recipients without excessive penalties or complications. However, if there are multiple heirs and several types of assets, one or more trusts should be established. This not only can speed up the probate process but can also help your beneficiaries avoid paying unnecessary taxes or incurring other costs.

When you work with one of the attorneys at Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, knowledgeable and experienced in wills, trusts, and estates, you can be confident that the assets you have worked hard to accumulate will be handled in the way you envision. We will coordinate with you to establish the best plan for your unique situation, whether that means drafting a simple will or creating several different types of trusts as well as a will and estate plan.

At our law firm, you will receive the attention and respect you deserve from your lawyer. We are committed to building a strong relationship with each of our clients and their families, and we look forward to the opportunity to help you with this important issue. It is never too soon to get started with a probate attorney, experienced in wills and trusts. Contact us today to set up your consultation. We are licensed in both Connecticut and New York and serve clients throughout both states, including Greenwich, Stamford, Westport, and other communities in Fairfield County, Westchester County, and New York City.

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