Probate is a process which validates and pronounces Last Will and Testament of Individual as valid and effective for purposes of estate administration and asset distribution. If you have had a loved one pass away recently, you may have found that their Will has to pass through probate court before debts of the decedent ?may be paid and the remaining assets of the decedent may be distributed to the beneficiaries. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate itself, this process can take anywhere from few weeks to several years. If you are a beneficiary of the estate, or involved in it in any other way, it is important to understand what to expect and to have the help you need. There are often conflicts during the probate process, and this is especially common if there is no comprehensive estate plan or Will that gives explicit instructions on how assets should be distributed. If a conflict arises, the courts will listen to both sides of the argument. A conflict during the probate process should be treated quite similarly to any other legal conflict, so whether you are a surviving spouse, a child, a beneficiary named in the Will or a nominated Executor, you should have an attorney representing your interests. An attorney can be helpful throughout the probate court process. This is especially true if you have been appointed as the ?executor ?or personal representative of the estate. If you would like assistance with any aspect of the probate process, please contact us. We can be reached by dialing (212) 292-3863. We work in all probate courts throughout Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, and Long Island, and we’ll be happy to assist you with anything that you need.