When a loved one dies, which documents are needed before meeting with an estate attorney?

After a loved one dies, it is often mentally and emotionally difficult to pick up the pieces and handle the administration of your family member’s estate. Hiring an experienced estate attorney who will guide you through the process is an essential step in moving forward. Before meeting with the attorney, there are certain documents which the attorney and court need to see. These documents include the death certificate, a paid funeral bill, and a list of assets owned by your family member. The list of assets includes both personal and real property. Other documents that may be of help to an estate attorney include the drawing of a family tree and a list of names and address of those named as beneficiaries. Providing these documents to your estate attorney during the first meeting will help expedite the estate administration process.