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Arkansas Probate Law Firm in Springdale

Springdale  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.
Springdale Arkansas Probate Attorney

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Springdale Probate

You Can’t Afford the Wrong Probate Attorney

  • It’s a complicated process that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost. But don’t make the mistake of entrusting your loved one’s estate to just any attorney. You need someone who has gone above and beyond in their experience with probate matters.
  • Because it is complex, many probate attorneys seem to stretch out what should take 8 – 10 months into years.
  • It’s hard to describe the frustration and disappointment you feel when you’re dealing with a probate lawyer who just doesn’t seem to care. Losing a loved one is already a painful experience, but to be left in the dark about the legal proceedings can feel like a betrayal.

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!
Springdale 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.

Springdale Arkansas Probate: What You Need to Know

If you’re dealing with the probate process in Springdale, Arkansas, it’s important to understand the steps involved and the legal requirements. Probate can be a complex and confusing process, but with the right information, you can navigate it with confidence. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Springdale Arkansas probate, including what it is, how it works, and what to expect.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s assets after they die. It involves validating the deceased person’s will (if there is one), identifying and appraising their assets, paying off any debts and taxes owed, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or, if there is no will, according to state law.

When is Probate Required in Springdale Arkansas?

Probate is required in Arkansas when the deceased person’s assets are solely in their name and do not pass directly to a beneficiary. This means that if the person had a will, it must be validated through the probate process. If there is no will, the probate court will distribute the assets according to Arkansas law.

The Probate Process in Springdale, Arkansas

The probate process in Springdale, Arkansas follows a specific set of steps, which we’ll outline below.

Filing a Petition for Probate in Springdale

The first step in the probate process is to file a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. The petition must include the original will (if there is one), a death certificate, and a list of the deceased person’s assets and debts.

Appointment of Executor or Administrator

Once the petition is filed, the court will appoint an executor (if there is a will) or administrator (if there is no will) to manage the probate process. This person is responsible for gathering and managing the deceased person’s assets, paying off debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

Notice to Creditors and Beneficiaries

The executor or administrator must notify all creditors and beneficiaries of the probate process. Creditors have a certain amount of time to file a claim against the estate for any debts owed, and beneficiaries have the right to contest the will if they believe it is invalid.

Inventory and Appraisal of Estate Assets

The executor or administrator is responsible for identifying and appraising all of the deceased person’s assets. This includes real estate, personal property, bank accounts, investments, and any other assets. Once the assets have been appraised, the executor or administrator must file an inventory with the court.

Payment of Debts and Taxes

The executor or administrator must use the assets in the estate to pay off any debts and taxes owed by the deceased person.

Distribution of Assets to Beneficiaries

Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the executor or administrator can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or according to state law if there is no will. If there are any disputes among beneficiaries, the court will resolve them.

Contesting a Will in Springdale, Arkansas

If a beneficiary believes that the will is invalid, they can contest it in court. They must provide evidence that the deceased person did not have the mental capacity to make a valid will, or that the will was made under duress or coercion.

How Long Does Probate Take in Springdale, Arkansas?

The length of the probate process in Springdale, Arkansas depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the estate, the number of beneficiaries, and whether there are any disputes among beneficiaries. In general, probate can take anywhere from several months to a year or more.

How Much Does Probate Cost in Springdale, Arkansas?

The cost of probate in Springdale, Arkansas can vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, as well as the fees charged by the executor or administrator and any attorneys involved in the process. Fees can include court fees, appraiser fees, and accounting fees.

Conclusion

Probate can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right information and guidance, it can be navigated successfully. If you’re dealing with probate in Springdale, Arkansas, it’s important to understand the steps involved, the legal requirements, and the options available to you. By working with an experienced attorney and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that the probate process goes as smoothly as possible.

How to Get Started

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Springdale Arkansas Probate Attorney