Hiring the Best Probate Attorney: What to Look for

Probate AttorneyIf you are facing an issue regarding the distribution or management of a deceased person’s property, estate taxes, guardianship, protection from creditors or any other issues related to the probate process, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice. A competent probate attorney will assist you in navigating the probate process, protecting your interests, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. To find a great lawyer, you can look for one in your area by doing a general Google search or asking friends and family members for recommendations. You can also check out local newspapers and see if they have ads for attorneys that specialize in probate. If you are looking for a skilled Probate Attorney, you may also visit https://www.chicagoprobateattorneys.net/ for guidance and Free Consultation!

Probate is a court-supervised method for administering a deceased person’s estate. This includes figuring out and inventorying the deceased’s assets, paying debts, and distributing any final belongings to beneficiaries as distinctive in the deceased person’s will. This process is integral in order to make sure that all money owed is paid and the estate is settled appropriately.

During the process, the personal representative may encounter many different complications. For example, some beneficiaries may contest the will or believe that the deceased person lacked the mental capacity to execute a valid will. In other cases, the deceased may have outstanding claims against their estate. In such cases, it is necessary to seek the services of an experienced New York probate attorney.

A good probate lawyer will be able to handle various estate issues such as contested wills, contested accountings, contested administration, and relief against fiduciary duty. He or she will also be able to provide assistance in other matters such as filing an application for a determination of death, obtaining a tax ID number, and determining the validity of a will.

When you choose a probate attorney, it is important to know how much they will charge for their services. Some lawyers will charge a flat fee while others will request a percentage of the value of the estate. The percentage is usually based on the gross value of the estate minus any debts, such as mortgages on properties. Some states have regulations regulating the amount of fees that probate lawyers can charge.

Finding the right Probate Attorney can be a difficult task. The lawyer that you hire should have a solid reputation, extensive experience, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients. It is also important that the attorney you choose has an understanding of the particular judges in your county. This will allow them to tailor their services to the judge’s preferences and ensure that all legal matters are addressed efficiently. In addition, it is advisable that you find out how long the lawyer has been practicing probate law. This will help you decide if they are the best fit for your case.

What Happens When Payments Aren’t Made?

If you’re a parent who is responsible for paying child support, you might be wondering what will happen if your payments aren’t made. The answer to this question varies from state to state, but in Florida, parents face serious penalties for failure to make child support payments.

In some cases, you can file a motion with the court asking for civil contempt. This action can result in fines or even jail time if you haven’t paid child support.

You may be able to convince a judge to change the support order. This is possible if you show that there have been changes in your income or expenses. For example, if you’ve lost your job and are now unable to afford to pay your child support, the court may decide to lower your payments.

Changing your child support order is a complicated process, and you should seek the assistance of an experienced Miami family and divorce attorney. You can also try to negotiate with the other parent and come up with a reasonable payment plan.

The best way to avoid a problem with your payments is to keep in touch with the Miami Child Support Enforcement. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number or using their online resources.

When a support order is issued, it should specify a deadline for the payment. It should also indicate when the support ends. If there are several children, the end date should be different for each child.

If a parent misses child support payments, the agency will send a notice of payment delinquency to the non-payer. This notice will list the dates when payments are due and tell the non-payer how much they owe in back support. If a parent is late for more than two months, the agency will start reporting their delinquency to credit bureaus.

Once your name has been submitted to the credit bureaus, it will be very difficult for you to obtain loans or other forms of credit. This can lead to a lowered credit score and increased debt.

Seizure of assets is another way that the courts enforce child support orders. If a parent fails to make payments, the Child Support Office can seize their bank accounts or any assets they own.

Your tax refund is often seized, too. If you owe more than $500 in past-due child support, the agency will place a hold on your federal and state tax refunds until your account is paid.

When you owe more than $1000 in past-due child support, your name may be placed on the national “Blacklist,” a list of high-risk individuals who can be denied credit or services. This can cause you to have trouble obtaining employment or a mortgage loan.

If your child support order requires you to pay through a third party, you can ask the court to send the money to a collection agency instead of directly to the other parent. This can simplify the process and make it easier to get your money back.

The Importance of Hiring a Child Support Lawyer

A child support lawyer can help you and your former spouse reach an agreement on the amount of money that each parent should pay for a child. They will also represent you in family court and if necessary, in arbitration or mediation.

The best Child Support lawyer in Phoenix Arizona knows the nuances of child support laws, procedures, and rules and will present your case in a way that is likely to gain approval by the family judge. They are familiar with local and federal laws and how to utilize them to the benefit of their client’s case.

They will also be able to explain any special circumstances regarding the children and your current situation. This can include if you are expecting another child, have a new job, or have been diagnosed with a severe illness.

Often, the child support payments can become a financial burden for a parent. This is why it is important to hire a child support lawyer as soon as possible in order to get help with your situation.

You can file a request for modification of your child support when you have experienced a significant change in your circumstances. These changes could be as simple as losing your job, or as serious as becoming ill or having a baby.

This type of modification can be an essential step in ensuring that you and your ex-spouse remain on good terms with each other and that your children are cared for as they should be.

A child support lawyer will also be able to explain if your situation may qualify for a reduced or modified payment plan. This is an especially helpful option if you are experiencing hardship or have had a major increase in income, and can be used to avoid having to re-establish a new child support case.

In most cases, the child support amount will stop when your child turns 18. This is a normal timeframe and the court has the power to set this date in the support order itself.

However, this is not always the case and there are many factors that the court considers when determining child support. They will look at your gross monthly incomes, the number of children in your household, parenting time and other factors.

They will then use a formula to calculate your child support obligation. This will take into account your gross monthly incomes, the number of your children and your standard deductions.

Alternatively, they will also take into consideration any non-income producing assets that you own, such as your meals, lodging, memberships, automobiles and fringe benefits.

You should never owe child support that you cannot afford to pay. This is an act of contempt of the court and can result in legal action like garnishment or a driver’s license suspension.

If you are unable to pay your child support or are having trouble getting the payments on time, contact a family lawyer in Phoenix Arizona as soon as possible. This can be an extremely stressful and difficult situation to handle.

Different Types of Divorce Attorneys

Divorce LawyerDivorce is the end of a marriage and a legal process to dissolve it by a court order. It is a difficult time for everyone involved, and you need a skilled lawyer to help you navigate this process.

A contested divorce is when the couple does not agree on one or more issues of the divorce. These issues could be alimony, property distribution or child custody.

Contested divorces are usually more expensive than uncontested ones and require lengthy preparation. Your attorney will need to present evidence to a judge, call witnesses and draft opening and closing statements. They also need to prepare a marital settlement agreement, which is a legally binding document that sets out the terms of your divorce.

Depending on your case, it may be best to hire an attorney with extensive experience in divorces. This type of person will be able to see the big picture, find the best deal for you and make sure that your rights are protected.

There are several different types of divorce attorneys to choose from. Some work in a collaborative style that aims to resolve your issues with minimal conflict and possibly without going to trial, while others will be more aggressive. Ultimately, the best divorce lawyer for you is one that aligns with your approach to the situation and your comfort level during the proceedings.

If you are having difficulty negotiating the terms of your divorce, you may want to consider mediation. This method allows you and your spouse to discuss the terms of your divorce in an objective manner with a neutral third party mediator. This process can be helpful in avoiding the long and expensive court proceedings.

A divorce can be a stressful and confusing process, especially when the two parties have children. A divorce attorney can help you navigate the process by ensuring that you receive adequate financial support and that your children’s best interests are protected.

The best divorce lawyers in Spring Hill Florida understand that their clients are dealing with complex emotional issues, and they know how to help you stay calm and focused on your goals. Your lawyer will be a mediator during the divorce and will be available to provide advice and guidance, but they are not there to be a therapist or assist you in taking revenge on your spouse.

Your divorce lawyer will be able to help you determine the most fair and equitable division of your assets, including the marital home. They will also be able to assist you with establishing custody arrangements and calculating child support payments.

They will also be able to assist you if your spouse is failing to pay support. This can be an expensive and stressful situation, so hiring a knowledgeable child support lawyer in Spring Hill Florida is important to ensure that your children are adequately provided for after the divorce.

You can find a good divorce attorney by researching the legal community and asking friends for recommendations. You can also visit the website of a local family law firm for more information.

The most important part of family law

The purpose of family law is to protect and maintain the rights and well-being of families. These rights include a right to life, a safe environment for children, and to prevent harmful behavior. In Canada, the legal recognition of same-sex relationships has been expanded. This represents a long-awaited sea change in the heterosexual norm.

Family law provides a framework to help parents and children reach a peaceful and secure relationship. It also helps to preserve the institution of marriage. However, some individuals use the system to perpetuate abuse and violence. Despite these issues, the law still provides some protection to children and ensures their safety. For more information about family law and legalities visit https://www.thedivorcelawyersdallas.com/family-lawyer/.

Families can be divided into different-sized units, such as a single parent, a couple with two children, or a family of four. A person’s family status is determined by a range of factors, including whether they have children, whether their spouse has custody of them, and whether they receive child support. While the courts have some discretion in determining this, they are not allowed to deny or limit the rights of the people involved.

For example, the Family Law Reform Act of 1997 imposed an obligation on the courts to actively inquire about the risk of family violence. It also widened the definition of family violence and clarified the priority to keeping a child safe over maintaining a relationship with both parents.

As a result of the Family Law Reform Act, the Family Court has developed a set of procedures to address these matters. One of these procedures is the use of a single registry. Another procedure is the separation of the parties in the same jurisdiction, which can be used to resolve issues regarding the parents and their children.

There are a variety of ways to define income. Many expenses are required to produce income, such as payroll taxes, a rent or mortgage payment, a bonus, or a commission. Some of these expenses can be deducted from the gross receipts. But a variety of other expenses are not necessarily considered “ordinary and necessary” to meet the income needs of a household. To prove that an expense is “ordinary and necessary” for family law purposes, a forensic accountant may be needed.

If an individual is subject to a court proceeding for child support, there are a number of ways to minimize their expenses. For instance, a person who has a salaried job can reduce their taxes by choosing a lower tax bracket. Additionally, there are incentives to reduce the amount of assets available for property division. Similarly, a person who has a sole proprietorship can reduce their tax liability by reducing the number of expenses they incur.

An individual’s net worth can be increased by a complex trust. This is a way to free up liquid assets. Non-liquid assets can be used to fund capital improvements. They can also be used to provide security for a replacement spouse.

Family laws have evolved to include same-sex relationships. Lesbians and gays have been selectively denied freedom of speech, assembly, and military service.

Parental Rights and Child Custody for Single Fathers

There are several ways for a father to obtain parental rights, which include establishing paternity, seeking custody, and enforcing child support obligations. It is important to know what to expect from these steps.

Establishing paternity is important to the mother and father of a child. It provides the child with certain rights and responsibilities. Having the child’s biological father legally recognized also gives the child a sense of belonging. In addition, it can improve the child’s life and help him or her receive government programs, medical care and other benefits.

In order to establish paternity, you may need to do a DNA test. Some states require this before establishing paternity. Other states allow you to do the testing after establishing paternity.

It can be hard for unmarried parents to get paternity established. If you are not sure how to go about this process, contact a family law attorney. This will ensure that you know what steps to take.

Once you have made an agreement with your partner, you need to file a petition with the local court. The court will determine if your relationship is legal and whether you are responsible for child support. You can get paternity forms from the state Department of Records.

If you are not married, you must be married to the mother during the 10 months prior to the birth of the child. You can either fill out a paternity form yourself, or you can contact an administrative agency that will help you with this process.

When it comes to getting custody of a child, there are numerous things you should consider. It is important to know what you are entitled to, and when.

In addition to seeking custody, fathers should also seek a lawyer who specializes in child custody. A skilled father’s rights attorney serving Houston can help you navigate the court system and make sure your rights are protected.

A court will decide custody issues according to state law. The rules are not as rigid as you might think. This is because courts want to do the right thing for the kids.

One of the most common questions a judge will ask is whether the child has any special needs. If a father is unable to provide the necessary care or medical attention, his or her ability to seek custody will be hampered.

A court will also look at the child’s general welfare. The best option for a child is generally a joint custody arrangement. This is where the two parents share decision-making power. The child’s health, safety, and educational needs are all factors to consider.

The biggest challenge is locating the other parent. The first step is to determine where the other parent lives. You can look at their social media profiles, search for their name in a directory, or ask the court if you can post a notice in a newspaper.

If you are a custodial parent and your ex has recently obtained parental rights, you may be wondering how you can enforce your child support obligations. Your options can include going to court, hiring an attorney, and enlisting the help of a child support enforcement agency.

Your options also depend on the state in which you reside. In Houston, for example, you can apply for child support services through the state agency. However, you can’t expect your local Child Support Enforcement Unit to automatically enforce your order.

In some states, you may be able to collect child support from the other parent’s employer. Wage withholding is one way to do this. A judge can issue a wage assignment, which allows your employer to take a portion of your paycheck and send it to the other parent.

The other option is to have your ex’s license suspended. This can be ordered by a family court, and is an effective tool for enforcing your child support payments. If your ex has an income that is above the amount the court has ordered him or her to pay, the court can order a license suspension.

You can also get an income withholding order from the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSS). This service is operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Adoption: How to Navigate This Complicated Process

The process of adoption is rewarding, but it is also complicated, especially if you aren’t a lawyer. A highly-skilled San Diego adoption attorney can help you navigate this process by explaining the law and how it affects you. With many years of experience, they have handled all kinds of adoptions. This makes them the right choice for anyone considering an adoption. Read on to find out more about this exciting process. The process is complicated, but you can rest assured that San Diego lawyers will do everything in their power to make the experience as positive as possible.

A voluntary adoption is the most common way for a child to be adopted, but it is not the only way. Most adoptions are the result of the consent of both biological parents. Involvement between adoptive parents and biological parents is also important. If the biological parents do not consent to the adoption, they will fight for custody of their child. In most cases, the natural parents sign away their parental rights. Therefore, the adoption process involves the cooperation of both adoptive parents.

While the child is in the custody of the adoptive parents, the birth parents must still agree to the adoption. The birth parents must give their consent, either by granting permission to the adoptive parents or removing them through a court order. The consent of the birth parents is required if the child is under age 14, but it is not necessary if the child is over 14.

While nuclear families have traditionally been the norm, more children are now living with a non-biological parent. These individuals can be considered psychological parents and seek to establish full legal parentage through adoption. In these cases, a lawyer can help navigate the legal process and ensure that the rights of both parents are protected. The firm also represents clients in other family structures, such as nuclear families with LGBTQ parents. If you are interested in learning more about the adoption process, San Diego Lawyers proudly serves clients in all of San Diego.

While there are many legal aspects of adoption, a lawyer can help you navigate the process with ease. The court will have to determine if you are suitable for the adoption and will undergo 27 hours of training. There are many forms and documents to be filed and the courts will also need to decide whether you are a suitable adoptive parent. Once your application is approved, your San Diego family law attorney will assist you through the entire process and ensure that your child receives the best possible home.

There are several different types of adoption laws. San Diego has a special law relating to stalking and was one of the first states to pass a stalking law. You can also adopt a child if you’re not married. The process is similar to that of child adoption, but adult adoption has fewer hurdles and is easier. You should find an attorney who is experienced in adoption to help you navigate the process. And make sure your attorney is familiar with the state’s adoption laws.

There are two types of adoption: open and closed. An open adoption is one where both parties can contact each other without the consent of the birth parents. The open adoption agreement specifies what contact will be allowed between siblings. It is usually in the form of a contract, but it is not legally binding. In San Diego, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 has made it easier to adopt children from foster care. The Act promotes the permanence and safety of foster children.

Adoption attorneys can help you navigate the adoption process by explaining state laws and protecting your rights. In certain cases, a practicing adoption and family law attorney can convince a judge to reverse an adoption decree. They can also explain what kinds of adoption are available to you. The attorney can help you decide which one is right for you. There are many benefits to hiring a family law and adoption attorney. This lawyer can help you get the adoption you need.

In addition to the benefits of hiring a family law attorney, you should also hire a lawyer specializing in adoption and family issues. Your best bet is to hire a San Diego family lawyer who has a history of success in such cases. Their team of attorneys will fight for your rights in the most effective way. With decades of experience, they can make the difference in the outcome of your case. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that you’re getting the best possible result for your unique situation.

 

Understading Drug Crimes and Drug Crime Defense

Alexandria Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Whether you are charged with a drug crime in Alexandria or elsewhere in the United States, you can count on a good Alexandria drug crime defense attorney to help you navigate the legal system and minimize the effects of a conviction. An Alexandria drug crime attorney will fight for your rights and help you avoid conviction, negotiate a plea deal or suppress evidence collected in violation of your Fifth Amendment rights.

Drug crimes can result in serious penalties, including jail time, fines and probation. These crimes include the sale or distribution of illegal drugs, such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana. In addition to these serious penalties, a conviction for a drug crime automatically entails a six month driving ban. If you are convicted of a drug crime, you may also be subject to community service and a drug treatment program.

If you are charged with a drug crime, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The sooner you get an attorney, the more time you will have to prepare and defend yourself. During this time, an Alexandria drug crime defense attorney can help you develop a strategy for a successful defense, including negotiating a plea deal or arguing a defense, such as entrapment.

If you are charged with a criminal offense in Alexandria, you need to get a lawyer who has a proven track record of success. An Alexandria drug crime defense attorney can help you understand your charges and negotiate a favorable plea deal, including probation. A good lawyer can also help you avoid a conviction, suppress evidence collected in violation of your Fifth Amendment rights and protect your rights.

In addition to drug crimes, a good Alexandria criminal defense attorney can help you with other types of criminal charges. If you are charged with a DUI or other type of traffic offense, an Alexandria drug crime defense attorney can help defend you against the charges. If you are charged with a federal crime, a federal criminal defense attorney may be able to help you avoid conviction.

If you are convicted of a drug charge, you could face penalties such as jail time, probation, fines and a driving ban. Drugs include methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and heroin. Some drugs have low potential for abuse, while others have high risks. The penalties for a drug conviction depend on the type of drug you are charged with and the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

When choosing an Alexandria drug crime defense attorney, look for a lawyer who has a proven track-record of success and who can make a difference in your case outcome. An Alexandria drug attorney can explain the charges and the penalties to you, and can help you prepare for court and defend your rights. You may also be eligible for probation or a restricted license. If you are in custody, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible before you contact your loved ones.

A good Alexandria criminal defense attorney can help you minimize the impact of a conviction and get your life back on track. They will keep you informed on the progress of your case, provide legal advice and help you move past your legal problems.

Criteria for Receiving Alimony Payments

Alimony is a form of maintenance paid to a former spouse. It is usually paid monthly or weekly, but in some cases, it can be paid in lump sums. Alimony payments can be permanent or temporary, and are subject to change. These payments are usually tax-deductible for the paying spouse. They are also reportable as income to the recipient spouse. The payments can be terminated if one or both parties remarry or cohabitate with another adult.

The length of the marriage is a factor in determining whether or not alimony is deserved. The longer the marriage, the stronger the case for alimony. Other criteria for eligibility include the other party’s financial dependence on the other spouse. For example, the recipient spouse must have worked for the other spouse’s business or helped pay for his or her education. The recipient spouse must also have failed to undermine the financial stability of the other party. Consider working with a family law attorney with experience in alimony cases.

The courts also consider future earning potential of each spouse. For instance, a spouse with three young children will likely be awarded alimony because the child rearing is more important than working. However, this does not mean that a high-earning spouse will automatically end up with a large sum of money.

The rules regarding alimony differ by state. In some states, a nonworking spouse can request alimony from a higher-earning ex-partner. Each state also has its own statutes that determine who qualifies for the support. So, it’s important to understand the rules for alimony in your state.

If the parties cannot agree on alimony, it will likely be decided during divorce litigation. A judge will make the final decision on the amount and terms of the settlement. During the divorce proceedings, the court will determine whether or not alimony is deserved and whether or not the amount is unfair. The award may be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Alimony payments can also be modified if the paying spouse suffers a loss of income or retirement. In these cases, a judge may “impute” a person’s income based on the circumstances. For instance, if a high-earning spouse makes $200,000 a year as a lawyer, the judge may order alimony payments that are proportionate to her capacity to earn the same amount.

If the ex-spouse does not comply with the alimony award, the recipient can request a court hearing to enforce the agreement. The court will then set up a hearing to determine the reason for non-compliance with the order. In such a case, a “show cause” action will be filed. The judge will determine the reason why the ex-spouse is not following the agreement. Once the judge rules on the modification, the ex-spouse will have to pay the money.

The purpose of alimony is to minimize the unfair economic effects of divorce. It provides income for the lower-wage earning spouse. It also provides time for the ex-spouse to build up job skills. This support can be helpful in cases where both partners have children. In addition, it is often used by higher-income families to maintain a standard of living that the other spouse might have been unable to afford.

Alimony is often paid in after-tax dollars. This means that the recipient does not have to pay taxes on the money. However, tax treatment of alimony differs from state to state. In Miami, for example, alimony is deductible for the paying spouse, while it is taxable for the recipient. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has changed the tax treatment of alimony so that it is not taxable after December 31, 2018.

The courts must consider a number of factors in order to determine alimony, including the length of the marriage, the property division, and the earning capacity of each spouse. The court may increase alimony in certain circumstances, such as if one party is at fault for the divorce or has a lower standard of living. In addition, the judge may consider any marital misconduct that may have occurred during the marriage. The judge can also consider the needs of the former spouse.

A former spouse can terminate alimony if they cohabitate with another person. If this occurs, the paying spouse must prove that the relationship is ongoing and regular, and that the other person is also a member of the same sex. Cohabitation can also occur if the other spouse has a romantic or sexual relationship with the recipient.

 

The Importance of Creating an Estate Plan

Estate planning is the process of naming agents to make decisions on your behalf in the event of your death or incapacity. It also allows you to designate your health care directives and long-term care wishes. By using an estate plan, you can prevent yourself and your family from making unthinkable decisions when you are not able to make them.

In addition to naming executors, you can also set up your own will to set up how your property will be divided and how minor children will be taken care of. However, estate planning is more than just a will; it deals with your legacy and can help your family save money on taxes, fees, and court costs. It is important to consult an estate planning professional to learn more about your specific needs.

Estate planning is an ongoing process. It’s important to update your plan as your family or circumstances change and the laws regarding estate planning change. By using an established estate planning attorney, you can rest assured that your family and loved ones are in good hands. A qualified estate planning attorney will take your family’s best interests into account and ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Estate planning is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and minimizes estate taxes. It also ensures that future medical and financial decisions will be made as per your wishes. You don’t have to be rich or famous to benefit from estate planning.

Estate planning involves a detailed itemized list of all of your assets and the value of each of them. This will help you identify your heirs and beneficiaries. In addition, it will also help you calculate the total value of your estate. The process will also address issues related to Medicaid planning, estate taxes, and asset protection. So, it’s important to have a detailed estate plan to avoid problems down the line. The process can be both simple and complex, but the end result is always beneficial.

In addition to setting up beneficiaries, estate planning also allows you to minimize estate and gift taxes. You might not think that you have enough money to justify estate planning, but your assets may surprise you. Be sure to get an outside appraisal of your possessions, so your heirs can be certain of their values. If you have any questions, you can consult an attorney to help you choose the right structure for your needs.

In addition to naming beneficiaries, you should also consider appointing an estate administrator. This person will be in charge of overseeing the distribution of your assets, including those owned in your name. The executor will manage the sale of your property, handle probate court proceedings, and notify the banks and credit card companies that you’ve passed away. This person will also keep your assets from being stolen.

A trust can also protect your assets even after you die. Assets left in a trust can stay in the trust until your beneficiaries reach the age of inheritance. A trust can help you avoid probate and provide more privacy to your family members. This can also reduce your family’s burden of dealing with a complex estate plan. It’s best to consult an attorney with experience in trusts to avoid any potential problems in the future. When deciding who will take your assets, make sure you select someone who’s trustworthy.

You should also consider taxes when making your estate plan. The goal is to minimize the amount of your estate that is lost to taxes. A good estate plan can prevent probate and allow your assets to pass on without paying hefty taxes. Currently, the federal estate tax exemption is $11,580,000. If you pass away before that, you may have to sell your assets in order to cover estate taxes.

Probate is the legal process whereby your will is validated through the courts. This process is expensive and very public. The courts also have the power to make decisions that go against your wishes. This can make it difficult for the beneficiaries of your estate. If you die before this time, you can avoid probate by writing a will.