Estate Distribution

Before assets can be passed along to heirs, estate distribution must take place to ensure everyone receives their fair share. This process can be exceedingly complex, which means that securing the right legal counsel is crucial to navigate it effectively.

In Chandler, AZ, Walk-In Wills can help clients with estate administration to ensure a streamlined and stress-free process. While our attorneys have the acumen of big-name law firms, we also strive to make the estate planning process as easy to navigate as possible.

What Is Estate Distribution?

Before heirs can receive assets, the estate must be divided into separate portions. Once properly divided, assets can be distributed to heirs according to the directives within a person’s will and other estate planning documents. Proper distribution is crucial to prevent heirs from contesting the will, which can lead to a drawn-out legal process.

What Kind of Assets Are Included in an Estate?

Many types of assets can be included within an estate plan, such as:

Real estate
Life insurance policies
Retirement accounts
Vehicles
Works of art
Bank accounts
Investment accounts
Stocks
Savings accounts
Digital assets (such as cryptocurrency)

The handling of these assets is often complex, especially with large estates. That’s why you must secure competent legal counsel to ensure you have the right advice going forward.

Who Should Be Your Executor?

The executor of your will has numerous important responsibilities when it comes to estate distribution, so it’s important to select a qualified person for the job. In this case, your executor should possess the following qualities:

Financial responsibility
Good organizational skills
Great time management ability
An impartial nature
Ability to handle pressure from heirs

The person must also have the time to devote to the task. Consider that it can take 16 months or longer to work out the details of the estate. In some cases, the process may even take years, typically when it comes to sizable estates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is estate distribution?

Estate distribution is the process of dividing a person’s assets after death so that heirs receive what’s specified in the will and other planning documents.

2. What kinds of property may be included in an estate?

An estate can include real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, vehicles, investment accounts, life insurance, and even digital assets.

3. Why is choosing the right executor important?

The executor manages the distribution steps, settles debts, and ensures assets go to the right people. A reliable, organized executor helps prevent delays or disputes.

4. Can estate distribution take a long time?

Yes, settling an estate can take many months or even years, especially for larger estates with complex assets or unresolved issues.

5. How can legal help make distribution easier?

An experienced attorney can guide you through probate, paperwork, and legal requirements so the distribution process is smoother and less stressful.

Contact Us for Help with Estate Distribution

Clients at Walk-In Wills know they can trust our attorneys’ legal guidance, as we offer the benefit of over 20 years of experience. However, you can also look forward to a simplified process, as estate planning shouldn’t be stressful.