Checklist for Your First Appointment with a Probate Attorney

- List out all of the assets about which you have questions;
- How each asset is owned (joint, just in the deceased’s name, in ownership with someone else);
- The best estimate of the value of the asset;
- List of all known creditors of the deceased and the amount of the debt;
- If anyone owed the deceased money, bring all information like the amount of the debt, current balance due and any written documentation of the debt (like a Promissory Note, Mortgage or a judgment);
- Bring copies of deeds to any property in which the deceased was a “Grantee” or “Buyer,” as well as the latest tax bill or property appraiser’s information for each property;
- If you have any information on income taxes for the previous year and the current year bring it;
- Bring original titles to any cars, boats or other vehicles on which the deceased’s name appears;
- Bring the original Will, Codicil, and/or Trust or Amendments to Trust, if any;
- Bring an original certified copy of the death certificate if it is available; and
- Bring a list of the names and addresses of anyone mentioned in the Will or who you believe has an interest in the estate.
Copyright 2012 Julie Ann Sombathy All Rights Reserved