Probate Administration & Litigation

Probate Administration & Controversies

Experienced Advocates in Arizona Probate Court

If you have recently lost a loved one, you have our deepest condolences. If you have been named as that person’s personal representative (executor) in a will, or if your relative has died intestate (without a will) you may be confused about what to do next.

Our lawyers at McFARLANE LAW, PLC in Scottsdale will guide you through the probate administration process so you can fulfill your loved one’s wishes. Contact us today to discuss your probate needs. We represent in-state and out-of-state clients who are involved in Arizona probate cases.

Assisting You With Your Probate Responsibilities

When the deceased owned property that was not been transferred into a trust or other estate planning device, it will be necessary to administer the estate through the legal process of probate.

The probate court will appoint a personal representative to administer this process under the oversight of the court. If the deceased person has a will, the court will generally appoint the person named in the will. Major steps in the process include the following:

• Collect and inventory property and assets
• Evaluate creditors’ claims and pay debts
• Collect income and other benefits
• Transfer and record deeds and titles
• Distribute the remaining property and resources
• Prepare estate, gift and income tax returns

Our experienced attorneys have backgrounds in finance and tax law, and can assist you with all the needed probate matters, quickly and efficiently. Contact us for an initial free consultation.

Taking Your Position in Probate Disputes

Unfortunately, the probate administration process sometimes leads to controversies that must be resolved before the process can be completed. Probate litigation is a sensitive area, as it involves people, most often relatives, who have recently lost a loved one.

A relative or other party may contest the will, claiming that a beneficiary named in the will exerted pressure, held undue influence or took advantage of the deceased person’s incapacity. There may also be disputes with alleged creditors, the IRS and other tax authorities.

We represent personal representatives as well as any other parties involved in probate controversies and litigation. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.