It is possible to complete a court application and administer an estate without a lawyer; however, an estate lawyer may be necessary for large and/or complicated estates.
It is recommended to work with a lawyer in the following situations:
There are beneficiaries under the age of 18
There are disputes or disagreements between beneficiaries
The estate is large and complicated
The deceased owned a business
The deceased owned property outside of the state or province that they lived in
There is a farm or mineral rights in the estate
There are assets that are difficult to appraise or sell
The estate cannot cover all debts
Cadence does not offer legal advice but we can help you find a lawyer upon request.