If I am the executor of someone’s Will and everything is left to one person, do I need a lawyer to do probate?
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If I am the executor of someone’s Will and everything is left to one person, do I need a lawyer to do probate?
Do I need a lawyer to get bank accounts changed or closed?
Asked on April 14, 2015 under Estate Planning, Oklahoma
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Generally speaking, you do not need a lawyer to probate an estate. It is just that if an estate is large or has many beneficiaries it may get complicated and having some one to guide you is good practice. Are there other potential heirs that were cut out of the Will? They need to be given notice of the probate and served a copy of the Will. That is where things could get sticky: if some one objects. Once you are appointed as the Executor then you will close the bank accounts in the decedent's name and put the funds in to an estate account. I think maybe consulting with an attorney on a flat rate or for an hourly fee may be the best way to go. Good luck.
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