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Arkansas Probate Law Firm in Springdale

Bella Vista  Probate Attorney

Making your life easier during already hard times

Let us be your guiding light, walking you through each step of the probate process with care and compassion. We understand how overwhelming and emotional this can be, and we’re here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Trust us to be your partner in this journey, and together we’ll navigate through it all.
Bella Vista Probate Attorney

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Bella Vista Probate

You Can’t Afford the Wrong Probate Attorney

  • The process of probate can be complicated, so it is advisable to seek an attorney with extensive experience rather than just a few cases
  • Because it is complex, many probate attorneys seem to stretch out what should take 8 – 10 months into years.
  • If you choose an the wrong probate lawyer, they may fail to keep you informed about your case, and may not even respond to your attempts to contact them. This is a common grievance among clients and is the most frequently filed complaint against attorneys.

Responsive

Gary has been through probate personally and knows that during these difficult, you appreciate a response within hours, not days, or weeks.

As Fast as Possible

If an attorney doesn’t stay on top of things, probate can stretch out much longer than it should. We use a combination of tools to make sure we get it done as fast as possible.

Support

No matter what the issues are during probate, we are here to support you.

We Get It…Probate is Hard – We’re Here to Guide You to Success

We’ve helped many other people just like you and we’re ready to help ease the burden of the legal process of probate for you

We help speed up the probate process for the family, reduce money paid to creditors, and make the entire process less stressful

Guide to Success
Gary DeWitt - Attorney at Law

Professional and Knowledgeable Probate Lawyer

I’ve personally been through probate (before I went to law school) and know how difficult it is as a non-attorney. Probate and administration seems long, complex, and frustrating. 

We are here to make the complexity seem easy and take the sting of frustration away from the process. You’ll be surprised at how easy this can be. We guide you through the process with our unique, easy to follow, one step at a time systems. We do the hard part.

For most of our work, we’ll give you the price up front for your peace of mind. From time to time we do hourly work, but that is the exception, not the norm.

Bill Durham
March 16, 2023.
Great people! Very experienced with constant communication. I highly recommend the DeWitt Law Firm.
Nannie 6
February 9, 2023.
The DeWitt firm helped us through this difficult time of dealing with the probate process of our deceased son's estate. We appreciate his thoroughness and effiecency during this time....communication and helping to guide us through this has been key. We appreciate Gary in his expertise of all of our legal affairs.
Arkansas Fitness Network
February 7, 2023.
I am extremely pleased with my experience working with DeWitt Law Firm during a difficult time. The team, led by Gary DeWitt, was by my side before and after the passing of family members. They took special care in ensuring that not only was our estate protected, but our family was made comfortable while living. Their professionalism, compassion, and expertise made the process seamless and stress-free. Gary and his team went above and beyond to make sure our family was taken care of during a challenging time. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and always available to answer any questions we had. The peace of mind that comes with having a solid estate plan in place is priceless, and I will be eternally grateful for the support DeWitt Law Firm provided us. I highly recommend DeWitt Law Firm to anyone in need of estate planning services. Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or you're ready to update your current plan, Gary and his team are here to help. They truly care about their clients and their families, and I couldn't be happier with my experience working with them. Danny White
Martha Carson
January 24, 2023.
They are the BEST !!!!
Carl Wilmsen
January 24, 2023.
Over the years, we have engaged attorneys to help navigate the legal process for various reasons. In the last three years, we have had to engage estate attorneys in two different states to assist with probate matters. Not being from Arkansas, we didn't know of any attorneys and were given a referral to Gary DeWitt. Wow! What a different experience for us. Gary is punctual, friendly, responsive, family-oriented, kind-hearted, and very knowledgeable. We are forever grateful for the referral to his law firm. From our view, when we have a legal question, we want answers as soon as possible, but most attorneys get to you when they can. Gary, however, makes you feel as if you are the only client he has - although we know this not to be the case. He truly does respond quickly to questions and goes - in my mind - above and beyond. It was over the holidays when I needed a letter to move things along with an insurance company. Gary was out of the office, but still replied and was able to assist us with the letter. No, I didn't really expect him to meet my timeline, but we were certainly grateful he went above expectations to get this letter to us! If you have any doubts about engaging Gary's firm, please don't. You will be happy working with him! Go meet with him. You will see for yourself he was made from a unique mold. I have not experienced an attorney like him in all my years! This is not a paid review. Just a review to motivate others like me to pick a good attorney!
sheryl bolinger
December 5, 2022.
Very thorough and helped ease my nerves
GG2 Sports Cards
November 29, 2022.
Easy to work with. I like to ask a lot of questions and they answered every one! Great communication! Very smooth process.
Alison Van Hecke
November 15, 2022.
Gary DeWitt did an amazing job working through a complex probate situation with our team. He was on top of it all and communicated with us and our client regarding the process. Highly recommend!
Bella Vista Probate
Wealth Counsel Attorney

Step-by-Step

Step 1

Book a Call. During this call we are going to get clarity on what’s really important to you and then whether we can help you or not. If we can help what the next steps might be.

Step 2

Let us be your guiding light, walking you through each step of the probate process with care and compassion. We understand how overwhelming and emotional this can be, and we’re here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Trust us to be your partner in this journey, and together we’ll navigate through it all.

Step 3

Let us handle the legal part and your take care of what matters most… You and your family.

Bella Vista Probate

If you have recently lost a loved one, dealing with their estate can be overwhelming, especially if they didn’t leave a will. The probate process can be confusing and time-consuming, but it’s necessary to distribute the assets and settle any debts. In this article, we’ll discuss the probate process in Bella Vista, Arkansas, and the steps involved.

What is Probate?

Probate is a legal process that validates a deceased person’s will and distributes their assets according to their wishes. If there is no will, the court will appoint an executor to oversee the distribution of the estate according to state law. The probate process can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s necessary to ensure that the deceased’s assets are distributed properly.

When is Probate Required in Bella Vista?

Probate is required in Bella Vista if the deceased person owned assets in their name alone, without a designated beneficiary or co-owner. This can include real estate, bank accounts, stocks, and personal property. If the deceased person had a will, probate is necessary to validate it and ensure that their wishes are carried out. If there is no will, the court will appoint an executor to distribute the assets according to state law.

Understanding the Role of the Executor

The executor is responsible for overseeing the probate process and ensuring that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out. The executor’s duties include filing the petition for probate, inventorying the estate, settling debts, distributing assets, and closing the estate. The executor is typically named in the will, but if there is no will, the court will appoint an executor.

Filing the Petition for Probate

The first step in the probate process is filing a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. The petition must include information about the deceased person, their heirs, and their assets. Once the court approves the petition, the executor can begin the probate process.

Inventorying the Estate

The executor must create an inventory of the deceased person’s assets, including real estate, bank accounts, stocks, and personal property. The inventory must be filed with the court and provided to the beneficiaries. If there are any discrepancies or disputes over the inventory, the court may need to intervene.

Notifying Creditors and Settling Debts

The executor must notify creditors of the deceased person’s death and settle any outstanding debts. This includes paying off any outstanding bills or taxes owed by the estate. If the estate doesn’t have enough assets to cover the debts, the executor may need to sell assets to pay them off.

Resolving Disputes

If there are any disputes over the estate, such as a challenge to the validity of the will or a disagreement over the distribution of assets, the court may need to intervene. The executor must work with the beneficiaries and the court to resolve any disputes.

Distributing Assets

Once all debts and expenses have been settled, the executor can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the will or state law. The executor must follow the instructions in the will or state law, and if there are any disputes or questions, they should consult with an attorney.

Final Accounting and Closing the Estate

After all assets have been distributed, the executor must file a final accounting with the court. The accounting must include all expenses, debts, and distributions made during the probate process. Once the court approves the final accounting, the estate can be closed.

How Long Does Probate Take in Bella Vista?

The length of the probate process in Bella Vista can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise. On average, probate can take six to nine months to complete, but it can take longer if there are disputes or legal challenges.

Probate Costs in Bella Vista

The costs of probate in Bella Vista can include court fees, attorney fees, and executor fees. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and the services needed. It’s important to consult with an attorney to understand the costs involved in the probate process.

Hiring a Probate Attorney in Bella Vista

Hiring a probate attorney in Bella Vista can help simplify the probate process and ensure that everything is done correctly. An attorney can provide guidance and advice on the probate process, handle any legal disputes, and help distribute the assets according to the will or state law.

Tips for a Smooth Probate Process

  • Here are some tips for a smooth probate process in Bella Vista:
  • Gather all necessary documents and information about the deceased person’s assets
  • Hire an experienced probate attorney to guide you through the process
  • Communicate regularly with the beneficiaries to keep them informed
  • Keep detailed records of all expenses and distributions made during the probate process
  • Be prepared for potential disputes and work with an attorney to resolve them.

The probate process in Bella Vista can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s necessary to ensure that the deceased person’s assets are distributed properly. By understanding the steps involved and working with an experienced probate attorney, you can navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.

How to Get Started

Book Your 15-Minute Call Now

Bella Vista Arkansas Probate Attorney