Probate law encompasses several different areas of practice. Probate law includes adoptions, guardianships and estate administration. A favorite practice area of our attorneys, adoption work can entail private adoptions, public adoptions through Children Services, step-parent adoption or the relinquishment of parental rights. Because these areas of the law can be complicated and complex, Hoover Six & Associates, LLC offers free thirty (30) minute consultations to discuss your potential adoption proceeding. Information discussed at the consultation includes any existing parental rights or relinquishment of those rights, the background checks and medical checks required, the home study, placement of a child and waiting period and the involvement with a social worker and potentially, a guardian ad litem. Guardianship work, also included in Probate Law, involves a legally incompetent person.

Guardianships can entail guardianships over a person or guardianships over an estate, the financial assets of a person. Most often guardianships are sought in order to protect an elderly or developmentally delayed person and in order to make decisions in the best interests of the one needing a guardian because they are unable to make their own legally sound decisions. Guardianships can be awarded through either a contested legal proceeding or by an agreement of the parties involved.

Estate Administration is perhaps the most common area under Probate Law. This area involves handling a deceased person's affairs such as managing their real estate, motor vehicles and personal property and carrying out their wishes as expressed in a will. Estate Administration can also include situations when one dies intestate, meaning without a will. If you have been named the executor of an estate or have questions regarding your deceased loved one's affairs, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you in this often complicated and overwhelming situation. 

Probate Law also includes Estate Planning work which is a process an individual can undertake to make the management of their affairs when they are  nearing death or gone easier on their loved ones. Estate Planning can be simple matters, through the execution of a will, powers of attorney and health care directives, or more complex matters necessitating the establishment of a trust. Regardless of what Estate Planning documents are needed for your circumstances, it is important to establish your estate plan when you are well so that your wishes can be appropriately carried out when you are gone. Estate Planning consultations can be scheduled at your convenience for a customary fee.