A Practical Guide to Probate Administration in McNairy County
Probate administration can feel overwhelming after the loss of a loved one, and families in Selmer often need clear, steady guidance through legal and administrative duties. This page explains how probate administration works in Tennessee, what to expect when managing an estate, and how Jay Johnson Law Firm in Hendersonville and our local network support families in McNairy County. We focus on clear communication, timely filings, and helping heirs and personal representatives understand obligations under state law so the estate moves forward with minimal delay and unnecessary expense.
Whether a decedent left a will or their assets must pass through intestacy rules, the probate process involves creditor notices, asset inventory, and court filings that follow Tennessee law. Our description here is intended to help Selmer residents recognize common steps and timelines, identify documentation typically required, and learn when reaching out for legal assistance with procedural compliance and court paperwork is sensible. We provide practical advice for protecting estate assets, preserving family relationships during administration, and keeping the process transparent for beneficiaries and interested parties.
Why Proper Probate Administration Matters for Families
Proper probate administration preserves value for heirs, ensures debts and taxes are handled correctly, and provides legal closure that reduces the risk of future disputes. In Selmer, timely filings and accurate inventories prevent creditor surprises and safeguard real estate and financial accounts. A careful approach ensures beneficiaries receive their proper inheritance while minimizing court delays and unnecessary costs. The process also creates an official record of actions taken by the personal representative, protecting that individual from future claims when duties are documented and carried out in accordance with Tennessee statutes.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Probate Practice
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee with a focus on estate planning and probate matters, supporting families in Selmer and surrounding McNairy County communities. Our team is committed to practical legal guidance, responsive client communication, and thorough preparation of required court filings. We assist personal representatives through each stage of administration, from opening probate to closing the estate, and work to resolve disputes efficiently when they arise. Clients contact our Hendersonville office to discuss document review, creditor claims, estate inventories, and distribution planning tailored to Tennessee law.
Understanding Probate Administration in Tennessee
Probate administration begins when someone who was named personal representative or an interested party files an application with the probate court to open a decedent’s estate. In Tennessee, the court will appoint a personal representative who then inventories assets, notifies creditors, and handles claims against the estate. The appointed representative is responsible for managing estate assets during the administration period, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to the rightful beneficiaries. Knowing these responsibilities in advance can ease the transition and reduce confusion for family members navigating this legal process.
Different estates may require different approaches depending on the size and complexity of assets, the existence and clarity of a will, and the presence of potential creditor claims or disputes among family members. Some matters can be resolved through simplified probate procedures if the estate meets statutory qualifications, while others will need a full probate administration with court hearings and detailed filings. Understanding which path applies to a particular estate helps Selmer families plan for timing, costs, and the kind of documentation they will need to gather, such as death certificates, account statements, and property deeds.
Defining Probate Administration and Its Purpose
Probate administration is the legal process for settling a decedent’s affairs and transferring assets to heirs or beneficiaries under court supervision. Its purpose is to confirm the validity of a will when one exists, ensure debts and taxes are settled, and distribute remaining property according to law or testamentary direction. The process creates an orderly method to handle competing claims, provides notice to creditors and interested parties, and gives the court a record of actions taken by the personal representative. For families, probate provides legal finality and a formal pathway to conclude financial matters tied to the deceased.
Key Elements and Common Probate Procedures
Core probate tasks include filing a petition to open the estate, notifying heirs and creditors, conducting an inventory and appraisal of assets, resolving valid creditor claims, paying estate taxes and administrative expenses, and ultimately distributing property to beneficiaries. Each step often requires specific forms and deadlines under Tennessee law, and court oversight ensures the process follows procedural requirements. Maintaining organized records and communicating with family members throughout the administration period helps prevent misunderstandings and supports an efficient settlement of the estate.
Key Probate Terms and Short Glossary
Understanding common probate terms helps people in Selmer navigate the process more confidently. This glossary explains the roles and documents you will encounter, such as the personal representative, petition to probate, estate inventory, creditor notice, and final accounting. Familiarity with these terms makes conversations with the court and with legal advisors more productive, and can help families prepare the necessary paperwork more quickly. If any term here raises questions about how it applies to a particular estate, a consultation can clarify next steps and procedural implications under Tennessee law.
Personal Representative (Administrator or Executor)
A personal representative is the individual appointed by the probate court to manage the administration of a decedent’s estate. Whether named in a will or appointed by the court when no valid will exists, this person gathers assets, handles creditor notices, maintains estate property, and carries out distributions after debts and taxes are addressed. The role comes with fiduciary duties to act in the estate’s and beneficiaries’ best interests while keeping accurate records and seeking court approval when required. Proper documentation of actions taken protects the representative and supports a timely estate closing.
Estate Inventory and Appraisal
An estate inventory is a detailed list of the decedent’s assets at the time of death, which may include real property, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and business interests. Some assets require formal appraisal to determine fair market value for estate accounting or tax purposes. The inventory and appraisals become part of the probate record and are used to calculate estate taxes, resolve distributions, and provide transparency for beneficiaries. Maintaining accurate valuations and supporting documentation reduces disputes and helps the court and interested parties understand the estate’s overall financial picture.
Creditor Notice and Claims Process
The creditor notice process requires the personal representative to inform potential creditors of the estate’s administration so they may present valid claims. Tennessee law sets specific procedures and timeframes for publishing notices and handling submitted claims. Valid claims must be evaluated and, if appropriate, paid from estate assets before distributions occur. Timely and proper handling of creditor claims protects the estate from future liability and helps ensure beneficiaries receive their intended inheritances once legitimate obligations are settled according to state requirements.
Final Accounting and Estate Distribution
The final accounting is a detailed record of all transactions conducted during administration, including asset receipts, disbursements for debts and taxes, administrative expenses, and distributions to beneficiaries. Filing a final accounting with the probate court provides transparency and allows interested parties to review actions taken. Once the court approves the accounting and all obligations are satisfied, the personal representative can distribute remaining assets and seek a formal order closing the estate. This closing step provides legal closure and ends the representative’s formal duties in the administration.
Comparing Limited and Full Probate Approaches
In Tennessee, some estates qualify for a simplified or expedited probate process when asset values fall below statutory thresholds or when property passes through payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations. These limited approaches can reduce court involvement and cost, but they may not be appropriate when there are substantial assets, creditor claims, or family disputes. A full probate administration provides comprehensive oversight and orderly resolution of complex issues. Evaluating which path suits a given estate requires assessing asset types, potential liabilities, and the clarity of testamentary documents to avoid procedural missteps that can cause delays.
When Simplified Probate Procedures May Be Appropriate:
Smaller Estates with Clear Transfer Mechanisms
A limited probate approach can be suitable when the decedent’s assets consist primarily of accounts or property that transfer outside of probate, or when the total estate value falls within the state’s allowance for simplified procedures. In such cases, the legal and administrative burdens are lighter, and beneficiaries may receive assets more quickly. This pathway still requires attention to statutory notices and proper documentation, but it can be an efficient option for families seeking a straightforward settlement without the extended timelines typical of full probate administration.
No Significant Creditor or Dispute Concerns
When there are no known creditor claims, disputes among heirs, or questions about the validity of a will, a streamlined probate process can be effective and less costly. Clear beneficiary designations and cooperation among family members reduce the need for prolonged court involvement. That said, even when a limited approach appears appropriate, it is important to ensure that all statutory requirements are met so that heirs are protected and the estate closes cleanly, avoiding unexpected problems that could reopen matters later under Tennessee law.
When a Full Probate Administration Is Advisable:
Complex Estates and Multiple Asset Types
A full probate administration is often necessary when an estate includes real property, business interests, out-of-state assets, or complex financial accounts that require formal valuation and distribution steps. When multiple asset types are involved, coordinating appraisals, resolving title transfers, and ensuring correct tax reporting require thorough handling to protect the estate’s value. A comprehensive approach provides structured oversight that documents each step for the court and beneficiaries, which is particularly beneficial when multiple parties have an interest in estate outcomes or when legal compliance is essential for asset transfers.
Disputes, Contested Wills, or Creditor Issues
When there are disputes among potential heirs, challenges to a will’s validity, or significant creditor claims, a full probate administration helps manage contested matters under court supervision. This structured process gives each party an opportunity to present claims and evidence while enabling the court to make determinations that reduce the likelihood of later litigation. Handling contested issues through an organized probate framework promotes fairness and clarity for all parties, and it helps ensure that final distributions are made in accordance with the court’s rulings and Tennessee statutes.
Advantages of a Thorough Probate Administration
A comprehensive administration reduces the risk of overlooked liabilities, provides clear documentation for all transactions, and allows the court to supervise sensitive decisions such as asset sales or complex tax matters. This clarity protects both the estate and its beneficiaries by establishing a formal record of actions and approvals. For families handling significant property or contested matters, a thorough approach helps ensure lawful distributions and reduces the chance of future disputes arising from unclear or incomplete administration steps under Tennessee probate rules.
Comprehensive handling also supports accurate tax reporting and ensures that creditors are addressed in accordance with legal timeframes, helping prevent personal liability for the personal representative. It provides transparency to beneficiaries through inventories and accountings, and allows an orderly resolution for complex estates. While it may involve more paperwork and court interaction than a simplified path, the long-term protections and reduced potential for later legal challenges can make a comprehensive probate administration the prudent choice for many families in Selmer and across McNairy County.
Protection Against Future Claims
One key advantage of a careful, documented administration is protection from future claims by creditors or disgruntled beneficiaries. When the court oversees notice procedures, claim adjudication, and the final accounting, the resulting record helps close avenues for later challenges. This protective framework helps personal representatives carry out duties with confidence and provides beneficiaries with assurance that distributions followed legal steps and were approved, reducing the risk of reopened disputes or claims after the estate has been settled.
Clear Financial and Tax Compliance
Thorough administration ensures debts and taxes are identified, reported, and paid according to statutory requirements, reducing exposure to penalties or interest. A full accounting process documents how estate funds were handled and provides the necessary information for final tax filings at both the federal and state levels. This attention to financial detail helps preserve estate assets for rightful distribution, and makes it less likely that beneficiaries will inherit unexpected obligations or unresolved tax matters tied to the decedent’s affairs.
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Practical Tips for Managing Probate Administration
Gather Key Documents Early
Start the probate process by collecting vital documents such as the decedent’s death certificate, last will and testament, account statements, deeds, life insurance policies, and recent tax returns. Early organization of paperwork speeds up inventory preparation, helps identify assets that pass outside probate, and clarifies potential creditor obligations. Effective document management reduces delays when preparing petitions for the probate court and supports accurate valuations and accountings. Keeping copies organized and accessible to the personal representative and any assisting legal counsel promotes efficiency throughout the administration period.
Keep Beneficiaries Informed
Address Creditor Claims Promptly
Respond to creditor notices and potential claims within the deadlines set by Tennessee law to protect the estate and allow timely distributions. Properly evaluating each claim, requesting documentation when appropriate, and resolving valid obligations from estate funds prevents future liability and reduces the chance of reopened disputes. Prompt handling of creditor matters also preserves estate value by avoiding accumulated penalties and interest. The personal representative should document all claim responses and retain proof of payments or denials as part of the estate accounting for court review.
When Probate Administration Assistance Is Helpful
Families often seek legal assistance when an estate involves multiple properties, complex financial accounts, blended family scenarios, or potential challenges to testamentary documents. Help can also be wise when creditors must be notified and evaluated, when taxes or business interests are present, or when beneficiaries require a neutral party to manage distributions. Professional guidance can reduce errors in court filings, help meet statutory timelines, and ensure that the personal representative fulfills duties in a way that minimizes personal risk and supports orderly estate settlement under Tennessee law.
Even in less complicated cases, families sometimes prefer assistance to ensure paperwork is accurate and that local court practices in McNairy County are followed correctly. An experienced legal team can explain available procedures, suggest efficient paths for small estates, and prepare required notices and inventories. When relationships among heirs are strained, assistance in facilitating communications and mediating disagreements during administration can lead to more timely resolutions and preserve family peace while the estate is being settled.
Common Situations That Lead to Probate Administration
Typical circumstances that trigger probate administration include passing of property titled solely in the decedent’s name, absence of beneficiary designations on key accounts, or the need to validate and implement a will. Other common events include creditor claims that must be resolved, disputes about asset distribution among heirs, and the administration of small business interests or real estate that cannot transfer without court approval. Recognizing these scenarios early helps families prepare documentation and take appropriate steps to open and manage the estate efficiently.
Assets Held Solely in the Decedent’s Name
Property titled only in the decedent’s name generally requires probate to transfer ownership legally to heirs or beneficiaries. This includes real estate, certain bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and tangible personal property without beneficiary designations. The probate process provides the legal mechanism for transferring title, ensuring that deeds and account registrations are properly changed to reflect new ownership. Preparing documents that demonstrate asset ownership and value, as well as any creditors owed, helps the personal representative carry out transfers in compliance with court requirements.
Unresolved Debts or Creditor Claims
When the decedent leaves outstanding debts, the estate must address creditor claims before distributions are made to beneficiaries. The personal representative is tasked with notifying potential creditors, evaluating claims for validity, and paying legitimate obligations from estate funds. Proper handling of creditor claims protects the estate from future liability and ensures that distributions reflect only assets remaining after valid debts and administrative expenses are resolved. Documented procedures and adherence to legal deadlines are essential when managing these obligations during probate.
Contested Wills or Beneficiary Disputes
Disputes over the validity of a will or disagreements among beneficiaries often require court supervision to resolve competing claims. The probate process provides a forum for parties to present evidence and for the court to make determinations about testamentary intent, document authenticity, and lawful distribution. Handling contested matters formally through probate reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that final distributions align with the court’s rulings. Careful preparation of evidence and witness statements is important in contested scenarios to achieve a fair and defensible outcome.
Local Probate Assistance for Selmer and McNairy County
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients in Selmer, McNairy County, and across Tennessee with a focus on probate administration and estate-related matters. We understand local court procedures and common issues families face here, and we work to help personal representatives complete required filings, prepare inventories, and communicate effectively with beneficiaries and creditors. If you are beginning an administration or facing complications during an open estate, our team can explain local protocols, prepare necessary paperwork, and help keep the process moving efficiently toward a final settlement.
Why Families Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Probate Matters
Families turn to Jay Johnson Law Firm for practical and responsive probate assistance tailored to Tennessee law. We emphasize clear communication about timelines, documentation requirements, and cost considerations so personal representatives and beneficiaries know what to expect. Our approach centers on minimizing delays through careful preparation of petitions, inventories, and creditor notices while ensuring court procedures are followed correctly. We strive to reduce stress for families by handling administrative details and keeping interested parties informed throughout the probate process.
Whether an estate is straightforward or includes complex assets, our firm helps clients compile records, evaluate claims, and present accurate accountings to the probate court. We aim to protect estate value during administration and to assist personal representatives in meeting their obligations without unnecessary complication. Our familiarity with local filing practices and procedural requirements in McNairy County supports a smooth process from opening the estate through final distribution, always with attention to legal compliance and client communication.
We also assist when disputes arise, offering measured guidance to resolve disagreements through negotiation or court filings as appropriate. Our goal is to achieve an orderly settlement of the estate while preserving family relationships where possible. When litigation is unavoidable, we prepare thoroughly to present the facts and legal positions clearly to the court. For questions about starting probate, managing creditor claims, or preparing the final accounting, families in Selmer can contact our office at 731-206-9700 to discuss next steps and scheduling.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to Discuss Probate Administration
How We Handle Probate Administration at Our Firm
At Jay Johnson Law Firm, our probate process begins with a thorough review of the decedent’s documents and an assessment of estate assets and liabilities. We prepare and file the initial probate petition, assist with required notices to heirs and creditors, and compile an inventory of assets with supporting documentation. As administration proceeds, we handle claim evaluation, payments from estate funds where appropriate, and preparation of accountings for court review, with regular updates provided to the personal representative and beneficiaries to ensure transparency and progress toward final distribution.
Initial Intake and Petition Filing
The first stage involves gathering necessary paperwork, confirming the decedent’s testamentary documents if any, and filing an application with the probate court to open the estate. We coordinate collection of death certificates, ownership records, and account statements to prepare a complete petition on behalf of the personal representative or interested party. This initial filing starts the court’s involvement and sets statutory timelines for creditor notice periods and subsequent steps in the administration process, ensuring that the estate proceeds under proper court oversight.
Document Collection and Case Assessment
Collecting documents early helps establish what property belongs to the estate and identifies potential creditors and beneficiaries. We assist clients in locating deeds, bank records, investment statements, and beneficiary designations, and we review any trust instruments or prior estate planning documents that affect probate. This assessment informs whether a simplified procedure might apply and guides decisions about inventory requirements, appraisals, and the scope of court filings necessary to move the estate forward at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with legal obligations.
Preparing and Filing the Probate Petition
After assembling documentation, we prepare the formal petition to the probate court seeking appointment of the personal representative and opening of the estate. This filing outlines known assets and heirs, provides statutory notices, and requests the court’s authority for administration activities. Accurate completion of these initial documents is important to establish clear authority for the representative to act, to initiate creditor notice periods, and to reduce the chance of procedural deficiencies that could delay the estate or require additional filings later in the process.
Managing Administration and Creditor Matters
Once the estate is opened, the personal representative must inventory assets, manage estate funds, and address creditor claims and taxes. We help with detailed inventories, obtaining appraisals when needed, and evaluating submitted creditor claims for validity. Through careful recordkeeping and follow-through on statutory notice requirements, we support the representative in meeting duties while preserving estate assets for distribution. Addressing these matters proactively reduces the risk of overlooked obligations that could create complications at the time of final distribution.
Inventory Preparation and Asset Management
Preparing a complete inventory involves listing all estate property and, where appropriate, arranging for professional appraisals of items such as real property or collectibles. Managing estate assets may include securing real estate, maintaining insurance coverage, and handling bank accounts to pay lawful expenses. Proper care and documentation of assets during administration helps maintain value and provides the court with a clear record of the estate’s composition, which is necessary for accurate distribution decisions and for the preparation of the final accounting.
Evaluating and Resolving Creditor Claims
We assist in reviewing creditor submissions to determine which claims are valid and which should be disputed or denied based on available documentation and legal standards. Valid claims are paid from estate funds in accordance with statutory priority rules, while invalid claims are defended with appropriate responses filed in the probate matter. Addressing creditor claims thoroughly protects the personal representative and helps prevent later challenges that could delay distribution or expose estate funds to unforeseen liabilities.
Final Accounting and Estate Closing
After debts, taxes, and administrative expenses are resolved, the personal representative prepares a final accounting showing all estate transactions and proposed distributions. We compile and file the accounting, address any beneficiary questions or objections, and seek the court’s approval to distribute remaining assets. Once the court approves the accounting and issues an order closing the estate, the personal representative can transfer titles and distribute property as directed. This final step provides legal closure and ends formal administration responsibilities.
Preparing the Final Accounting
The final accounting documents receipts, expenditures, creditor payments, fees, and proposed beneficiary distributions in precise detail for court review. We prepare supporting schedules and documentation to show how funds were handled during administration and to justify any requests for compensation or reimbursement. Clear, well-organized accountings reduce the likelihood of disputes and make it easier for the court to approve final distributions, thereby helping the estate move to closing with confidence and legal confirmation of the transactions performed on behalf of the estate.
Court Approval and Distribution of Assets
Following court review and approval of the final accounting, the personal representative can execute transfers of title and make distributions to beneficiaries. This may involve recording deeds, transferring account ownerships, and issuing checks for final bequests. We prepare closing documents and filings needed to effect these transfers and ensure that all required releases and receipts are collected. Properly documented distributions and a formal court order closing the estate bring legal finality and reduce the chance of later challenges to actions taken during administration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Administration
What is probate administration and why is it necessary?
Probate administration is the court-supervised process for settling a decedent’s affairs, addressing debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. It ensures the decedent’s will, when present, is validated and that assets held solely in the decedent’s name are transferred legally through the probate court. The process includes filing a petition to open the estate, notifying heirs and creditors, preparing an inventory, and completing a final accounting for court approval. This formal process provides transparency and legal authority to the personal representative to act on behalf of the estate. If questions arise about specific steps or timelines, contacting the local probate clerk can help clarify procedural details and filing requirements for McNairy County.
How long does probate administration typically take in Tennessee?
The length of probate administration in Tennessee varies depending on factors such as estate complexity, creditor claim resolution, and whether any disputes arise. Small estates with straightforward assets and no contested claims can often be resolved more quickly, while estates with real property, business interests, or contested matters may require many months or longer to complete. Statutory notice periods for creditors and other required steps create minimum timelines that must be observed. Regular communication and prompt response to documentation requests help keep the administration moving forward and reduce avoidable delays.
Can an estate avoid probate in Selmer or McNairy County?
Some assets can pass outside of probate through beneficiary designations, joint ownership with rights of survivorship, or trust arrangements, which can reduce or avoid the need for full probate administration. However, assets titled solely in the decedent’s name typically require probate to transfer ownership lawfully. Whether an estate can avoid probate depends on how assets were titled, the existence of trust instruments, and the total value of the estate. Reviewing account registrations and ownership documents early can help determine which assets are subject to probate and whether simplified procedures might apply under Tennessee law.
What responsibilities does a personal representative have during administration?
A personal representative is responsible for locating and preserving estate assets, giving proper notice to creditors, preparing an inventory and accounting, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries according to the will or state law. The role requires careful recordkeeping and compliance with statutory deadlines and court orders. Acting in the estate’s and beneficiaries’ best interests, the representative must also respond to beneficiary inquiries and keep the probate court informed through filings. Proper documentation of payments and decisions helps protect the representative from future claims related to administration duties.
How are creditors notified and how are claims handled?
Creditors are typically notified through published notices and direct communications when their identities are known, and Tennessee law sets specific timeframes for submitting claims against the estate. The personal representative reviews each claim to determine validity and pays legitimate debts from estate funds in accordance with statutory priorities. Invalid or disputed claims are defended through appropriate filings in the probate matter. Timely and documented handling of claims is important to prevent future liability and to ensure that distributions occur only after valid obligations have been addressed or resolved through the court process.
What documents are required to open an estate in Tennessee?
To open an estate in Tennessee, it is helpful to have the decedent’s original will if one exists, certified copies of the death certificate, a list of assets and account statements, deeds or titles to property, and contact information for heirs and known creditors. Additional documents may include beneficiary designations, prior tax returns, and insurance policies. Providing a thorough set of records at the outset allows the probate petition to be prepared accurately and helps the court and personal representative proceed without unnecessary delays. Gathering these materials early streamlines the initial filing and inventory process.
Will beneficiaries always receive their inheritance after probate?
Beneficiaries will receive their inheritance after probate administration so long as valid creditor claims and taxes are satisfied and no successful challenges alter distribution plans. Disputes or contested matters can delay distributions until the court resolves them, and unpaid valid debts can reduce available assets for heirs. Proper administration that follows statutory procedures for notice and accounting reduces the likelihood of future challenges and provides a clear path for disbursement. Keeping beneficiaries informed and maintaining transparent records helps manage expectations and supports timely distributions once obligations are met.
Can a will be contested during probate administration?
Yes, a will can be contested during probate administration on grounds such as lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. When a contest arises, the probate court will consider evidence and legal arguments before making determinations about the will’s validity. Contested proceedings add time and complexity to the administration and may require hearings, witness testimony, or additional filings. Handling contests formally through the probate process provides a legal avenue to resolve disputes while allowing the court to issue rulings that clarify the proper distribution of estate assets under Tennessee law.
Are there fees and taxes associated with probate in Tennessee?
Probate administration typically involves court filing fees, costs for publishing creditor notices if required, appraisal fees for certain assets, and potential professional fees for accounting or legal services. Additionally, certain estates may be subject to federal or state taxes depending on asset values and applicable exemptions. Accurate records and timely filings help ensure taxes and fees are calculated correctly and paid from estate funds when appropriate. Being mindful of these costs during administration helps personal representatives plan for payments and avoid unexpected deficits that could affect beneficiary distributions.
How can Jay Johnson Law Firm assist with probate matters in Selmer?
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists with every stage of probate administration, from initial document review and petition filing to inventory preparation, creditor claim resolution, final accounting, and distribution. We help personal representatives understand their duties, prepare required notices and filings, and maintain accurate records for court review. For contested matters, we provide measured representation to present your position and protect estate interests. Families in Selmer and McNairy County can contact our office at 731-206-9700 to discuss estate-specific questions and to schedule a consultation about how the probate process will apply in their situation.