Great Falls Probate Attorneys

When someone dies, the court will sort through and distribute assets to beneficiaries in a process known as probate. If you are not familiar with the probate process, it can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have been appointed as an executor or administrator of the estate. If you have any concerns about your rights to property or your duties to the estate, be sure to contact a Great Falls, Virginia probate attorney.

At Robinson Law, PLLC, we can support you from the beginning of a probate case to the end. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our team is here to provide you with clear guidance, working to resolve your case in an efficient manner.

How Does Probate Work in Virginia?

Probate in Virginia is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate, which includes validating the will, paying debts, and transferring property to the people entitled to receive it. The process usually begins in the circuit court clerk's office in the county or city where the person lived. For Great Falls residents, that is generally the Fairfax County Circuit Court.

The person named in the will, or a family member if there is no will, appears before the clerk to "qualify" as the estate's personal representative. Once qualified, that person receives the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. A Commissioner of Accounts then oversees the estate's finances, reviewing inventories and accountings to make sure assets are handled properly. Simple estates may wrap up within a year, while estates with disputes, real estate, or business interests can take much longer.

What Are Your Responsibilities as an Estate Executor or Administrator in Virginia?

An executor or administrator in Virginia holds a position of trust and must manage the estate in the best interests of the heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. Some of the main duties include:

• Sending notice of the probate to heirs and beneficiaries shortly after qualifying
• Locating, securing, and valuing the deceased person's assets
• Filing an inventory with the Commissioner of Accounts within the required deadline
• Paying valid debts, final bills, and any taxes owed
• Keeping detailed records and submitting regular accountings
• Distributing the remaining property according to the will or state law

Mistakes in this role can lead to personal liability, delays, or conflict with family members. Our attorneys can guide personal representatives through each deadline and filing so the estate moves forward correctly.

Representing Beneficiaries in Great Falls Probate Cases

Beneficiaries in Great Falls probate cases have rights of their own, even though they do not control the estate. A beneficiary is entitled to receive notice of the probate and can request information about how the estate is being managed. When an executor stops communicating, fails to file required accountings, or appears to be using estate funds for personal benefit, beneficiaries can raise these concerns with the Commissioner of Accounts or the court.

Other disputes involve the will itself. A family member may believe the will was signed under pressure, was not properly executed, or was replaced by a later version. Will contests in Virginia have strict time limits, so it is wise to seek legal advice soon after learning about a problem. We can review the estate records, explain your options, and pursue action when a personal representative is not meeting their obligations.