Decedent’s Estates

When a person dies owning property a representative may be needed to transfer the property to his or her heirs [surviving family] or legatees [persons named in a will]. The representative, who is called an Executor or an Administrator, is appointed by a judge in the Probate Court who issues LETTERS OF OFFICE. More specifically titled LETTERS TESTAMENTARY or LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION. Attorney Paul C. Sheils has been assisting clients in need of these types of probate orders for over thirty years.

Disabled Person’s Estates

A person who is disabled due to injury, illness or not having reached the age of 18 years may also need a representative to transfer or receive property. The representative of a disabled person, who is called a Guardian, is also appointed by a judge in the Probate Court who issues LETTERS OF GUARDIANSHIP. Attorney Paul C. Sheils has been assisting clients in need of these probate orders for over thirty years.

Contested Estates

The following are some examples of issues that may be contested and therefore may have to be adjudicated by a Probate Judge:

Is a will valid or invalid?

Who should be appointed representative?

What property belongs in the estate?

Is a person disabled or not?

Attorney Sheils has been assisting clients in need of these types of probate orders for over thirty years.

Small Estates Affidavit

When a person dies owning property valued at less than $100,000.00, in some cases, a SMALL ESTATES AFFIDAVIT can be used to transfer the property without a court appointed representative.

Mr. Sheils has been assisting clients with SMALL ESTATES AFFIDAVITS for over thirty years.