Probate/Trust Administration

Probate is the court process that happens after someone dies. Probate can be expensive. Attorney’s fees are set by statute; for an estate worth $200,000, attorneys fees will be about $7,000. The bigger the estate, the more expensive the fees. Probate also takes time, and it is a public process; virtually everything filed in a probate is retained in publicly accessible court files.

With appropriate estate planning, probate can often be avoided altogether. Probate can be avoided in two main situations: First, if the estate is worth less than $100,000, then formal probate is not required. Second, if a person dies with a trust that holds the person's assets, then no probate is required.  

The Schofield Law Group can assist a family through the probate process, when necessary, and when probate is not required, we can assist with the work of administering the estate outside of probate. We can also help with trust administrations, will and trust contests, and any other legal issue arising after a loved one passes away.

We offer a complimentary Probate/Trust Administration fact sheet with tips on how to prepare for your first meeting with the Schofield Law Group. You can download it here.