Probate in Virginia

When a loved one passes away, his or her estate often goes through a court managed process called probate or estate administration where the assets of the deceased are managed and distributed.  If your loved one owned his or her assets through a well drafted and properly funded living trust, it is likely that no court managed administration is necessary.  The length of time needed to complete the probate of an estate depends on the size and complexity of the estate.

Every probate estate is unique, but most involve the following steps:

• Filing of a petition with the proper probate court.
• Notice to heirs under the Will or to statutory heirs (if no Will exists).
• Petition to appoint Executor or Administrator for the estate.
• Inventory and appraisal of estate assets by the Executor or Administrator.
• Payment of estate taxes, if applicable.
• Payment of estate debt to rightful creditors.
• Sale of estate assets.
• Final distribution of assets to heirs.