Probate Paralegal Services

If you're looking to set up and manage a probate estate for a loved one or have access to assistance with contract review, intellectual property assistance, or bankruptcy filings support, probate paralegal services can provide the help you need. Read on to learn more about what a probate paralegal can do and how to find one.

Introduction

Probate paralegals are specialists in estate trusts, probate law, juvenile law, contract law, and other legal matters.

These professionals typically create and file an estate plan to ensure that your kinds and family are taken care of after you've passed away, and they can help to coordinate the filing of documents with the courts or the beneficiaries of an estate.

They can also provide legal counsel and assistance with family law, witness coordination, deposition summarization, legal transcription, and other matters that are a part of the probate process.

Discovery Management

One main task of a probate paralegal is discovery management. This includes collecting documents, interviewing witnesses, and gathering other facts needed to complete the probate case. Part of discovery management includes analyzing documents, writing pleadings, and preparing evidence to present to the court.

Probate paralegals are often responsible for creating legal documents for filing, such as a Petition for Probate or Inventory and Appraisal. Complex cases may also require a probate paralegal to prepare additional petitions to respond to questions from the court or to take action on specific items.

Witness Coordination

Probate paralegals are often responsible for coordinating witnesses during a probate case as well. This involves arranging interviews, taking witness statements, and assembling witness lists for trial. At times, a probate paralegal can also help to secure a temporary restraining order or other protective orders when necessary.

Deposition Summarization

One important role for a probate paralegal is summarizing depositions during a probate trial. A good paralegal should be able to concisely summarize witness testimony and present it to the court in a clear and succinct manner.

Legal Transcription

A probate paralegal may also be asked to transcribe witness testimony and other legal documents for use during a probate hearing. This requires an eye for detail, focusing on the content of transcripts and being able to transcribe accurately and efficiently.

Contract Review

In some cases, a probate paralegal may be asked to review contracts and other related legal documents. This could involve reviewing deeds and titles, determining if an estate has any creditors, and checking for any liens or titles that need to be settled before the estate can be probated.

Intellectual Property Assistance

Probate paralegals can also provide assistance with issues related to intellectual property. This could include reviewing patent applications, helping to register trademarks or copyrights, and preparing related documents before a patent or trademark can be granted.

Bankruptcy Filings Support

In some cases, a probate paralegal may be asked to provide assistance with bankruptcy filings. This could involve preparing documents for the filing, providing support to the court during a bankruptcy hearing, and confirming any legal documents needed for the filing.

Family Law Assistance

Family law assistance is another area in which probate paralegals can offer their services. This often includes drafting wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements, and other legal documents related to marriage, divorce, and child custody issues.

Immigration Paperwork Assistance

Probate paralegals are also often tasked with providing assistance with immigration paperwork. This could include filing petitions for permanent residency or citizenship, drafting immigration documents, and helping to resolve any immigration-related legal issues.

Legal Correspondence

Finally, some probate paralegals are also asked to handle legal correspondence, which includes drafting letters, responding to inquiries, and preparing documents for filing with the court.

Summary

Probate paralegal services can provide the assistance you need to manage a probate estate, including discovery management, witness coordination, deposition summarization, legal transcription, contract review, intellectual property assistance, bankruptcy filings support, family law assistance, and immigration paperwork assistance. They can also offer legal correspondence services to ensure that documents are properly prepared and filed. If you're looking for a probate paralegal, make sure to research their credentials and experience first.