Why Hire Us?
Whether you are attempting to resolve a complicated legal matter or you’ve simply decided that it’s time to start planning for the future, you need an advocate. The team at Cheryl David Law is dedicated to providing you with the experienced representation you need, no matter what the situation may be. Our highly knowledgeable and celebrated staff wants you to feel confident about the choices you make—let us be your guide on the path toward preserving your family’s future.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Cheryl David couldn’t be more professional!
Cheryl David provided me and my family the utmost professionalism and personal care as if we were her own family. The information she provided is literally life-saving when it comes to your family’s future. We hired her and we appreciate the professional relationship that has begun…” –anonymous
Cheryl helped my family through a very tedious time with her kind and professional guidance. I can only say positive (and not enough) about Cheryl. She listened to our needs and helped us make sound decisions to protect our loved ones. What had been a tough situation initially resolved and ended well for all parties. Her approach was to consider relationships and the humanity of everyone involved first. She made herself available and never had to be reminded of our case’s circumstances, even if it had been a while between conversations. She was always clear and comforting.” -Mary
Exceptional Client Service
Extremely pleased with service. All questions answered thoroughly. Handled with professionalism and respect.” -William
Why You Might Need a Probate Attorney – Four Common Scenarios
Scenario One – “The Executor”
What do you do if you recently found out that you were appointed the Executor of the estate of a recently deceased family member or loved one? One of the first things you should do is to retain the services of an experienced probate attorney. Probate is the legal process that most estates are required to go through following the death of the estate owner. If you were notified that you are the Executor, that means the decedent appointed you in his/her Last Will and Testament. You are not legally required to accept the appointment; however, if you do plan to accept it is imperative that you understand what the position entails. Formal probate can be a lengthy, and complicated process, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. As the Executor you will be required to oversee the probate of the estate from start to finish. Having an experienced probate attorney by your side to guide and advise you is invaluable.
Scenario Two – “The Survivor”
When faced with the death of a spouse, parent, or another close family member most people go through a period of shock – even if the death was foreseen. Emotions naturally run high and may swing from anger to denial to misery. At some point, however, you will start to wonder what practical steps you should be taking. If you have the decedent’s Will, what are you supposed to do with it? Conversely, if you cannot find a Will, what happens to the decedent’s assets? How do you know what assets are available to you if the decedent supported you financially? A probate attorney can help answer all of these questions and any others that come up as well as help guide you through the probate process if you are a beneficiary or heir of the estate.
Scenario Three – “The Creditor”
When you loan money, or extend credit, to someone you typically make the repayment terms clear before doing so; however, what happens to the debt owed to you if the borrower dies before the debt is paid off? The answer to that question is more complicated than you might think it is. The good news is that you may still be entitled to repayment of the debt owed to you out of the decedent’s estate. Navigating the probate process as a creditor though can be challenging to say the least. Retaining the services of a probate attorney to advise you with regard to where you stand legally and then helping you file your claim against the estate if you are entitled to do so is your best option.
Scenario Four – “The Planner”
You have likely heard that probate avoidance is one of the most common estate planning goals – and with good reason because formal probate can cost your loved ones a considerable amount of both time and money. There are ways to significantly reduce your estate’s exposure to probate, if not avoid it entirely. Not surprisingly, the best way to learn how to avoid probate is from a probate attorney who knows all the ins and outs of the probate process. Taking the time to consult with a probate attorney now will almost certainly benefit your loved ones down the road.