Probate Services for U.S. Estates
After someone dies, practical questions can arrive before you feel ready to answer them. A bank may ask for court documents. A property may need attention. Relatives may be waiting to understand what happens next.
LOIGICA helps you understand whether probate is needed for your loved one’s U.S. assets and which steps apply. If you live abroad, we also help identify the local legal questions that need attention before the estate can move forward.
Tell us where the assets are located and what you need help with. You do not need to know which procedure applies.
What Is Probate?
Probate is a court-supervised process for dealing with certain assets after a person dies. Depending on the estate, it involves establishing authority to act, addressing valid debts and expenses, and transferring the remaining property to the people entitled to receive it.
The process depends on state law and the circumstances of the estate. A will is part of that review, but having a will does not automatically avoid probate.
When Is Probate Required?
The starting point is how each asset was owned and whether it has a valid transfer arrangement. Property held solely in the deceased person’s name may require probate. Assets held in a trust, with survivorship rights, or with valid beneficiary designations may pass through other procedures.
An estate can include both types of assets. Reviewing the actual records helps determine what belongs in the court process.
It may be time to seek legal guidance if:
How LOIGICA Can Help
You can start with the problem in front of you, even if you do not have every document. We help identify what information is missing and why it matters.
Depending on your circumstances and the agreed scope, our probate services can include:
At the outset, we clarify whom we represent and what work the engagement covers. A family may have several people involved, and their roles and interests are not always the same.
How We Approach the Probate Process
We discuss the death, relevant locations, family relationships, and any immediate requests from banks or courts. Tell us about notices or deadlines you have received.
We identify the records needed to assess the estate. These may include a death certificate, a will, property records, account information, and documents from an existing proceeding.
We review the applicable procedure and the proposed legal work. We also discuss likely cost factors and issues that could affect timing.
If a proceeding is needed, the next stage addresses the filings and ongoing responsibilities within the agreed engagement. The personal representative’s work can include safeguarding property, keeping records, addressing claims, and preparing for distribution.
1
Understand the situation
We discuss the death, relevant locations, family relationships, and any immediate requests from banks or courts. Tell us about notices or deadlines you have received.
2
Review the assets and documents
We identify the records needed to assess the estate. These may include a death certificate, a will, property records, account information, and documents from an existing proceeding.
3
Explain the available path
We review the applicable procedure and the proposed legal work. We also discuss likely cost factors and issues that could affect timing.
4
Move into administration
If a proceeding is needed, the next stage addresses the filings and ongoing responsibilities within the agreed engagement. The personal representative’s work can include safeguarding property, keeping records, addressing claims, and preparing for distribution.
When the Family or the Estate Is Abroad
You may be handling a parent’s U.S. home from another country or trying to understand a bank’s request after a foreign succession proceeding.
Do not assume that an appointment or court order issued abroad gives someone authority over U.S. assets. Local recognition, appointment, or an additional proceeding may be necessary.
For example, Florida provides for ancillary administration in certain estates of nonresidents with Florida assets. Eligibility to serve and the documents required need separate review. Other states have their own rules.
We can assess the U.S. legal questions within our engagement and identify where coordination with your existing advisors is needed.
A Clear Starting Point for Your Family
You should understand why a document is needed, what decision comes next, and which questions remain open. We explain the proposed path in practical terms so you can make informed decisions about the work ahead.
For families with international connections, we ask about those connections early. Where your loved one lived, where property is located, and whether another proceeding exists can all change what needs review.
Discuss Your Probate MatterFrequently Asked Questions
How long does probate take?
There is no single timeline for every estate. The applicable procedure, notice periods, court scheduling, asset sales, unresolved claims, and disagreements can affect progress. After reviewing the estate, we can discuss the likely stages and what may delay them.
What determines probate cost?
Costs may include legal fees, court charges, notices, appraisals, and accounting work. The procedure and complexity of the estate affect the total. Ask for a written explanation of the proposed legal fee, anticipated outside expenses, and what falls outside the engagement.
What happens in probate without a will?
State intestacy law determines who inherits property that is not disposed of by a valid will, subject to applicable rights and obligations. The absence of a will does not automatically mean the state receives the estate.
Is probate with a will simpler?
A valid will can clarify intended beneficiaries and nominate an executor. It does not eliminate court requirements or guarantee a short proceeding. Being named executor is not, by itself, proof of court-appointed authority.
Probate vs trust: does a trust avoid the process?
Assets properly held in a trust generally pass under its terms rather than through probate. Assets left outside the trust may still require probate. Trust administration is also necessary work; it does not disappear because court administration is avoided.
Can a smaller estate use a simpler procedure?
Possibly. States provide different procedures with specific eligibility requirements. Asset values, property types, and other circumstances can matter. We can assess the available route without assuming that every estate needs full administration.
Start With the Questions You Have
Tell us your connection to the estate, where the U.S. assets are located, and whether a proceeding has already started. Our team will review your inquiry and contact you about the next step.