Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Colorado Springs, CO

I’m a Personal Representative. Now What? Being named personal representative in a Will or appointed by the court can feel like a tall order. You likely have many questions: What is probate? How does probate work? How long does probate take? What are my responsibilities during probate? Rest assured because at Axis Law Group, your local estate planning and probate law firm, we believe that knowledge fosters confidence. Continue reading for a comprehensive breakdown on what being a personal representative entails. When is Probate Required? Probate can often feel mysterious to people – you know it’s out there, but you don’t know what it is. Before showing you what’s behind the curtain and delving into what is probate, first let’s take a look at what causes probate. Probate is required if: (1) you have $82,000 (as of 2024) in total assets without beneficiary designations, or (2) you own real property like land or a house. If either one of these factors apply to your estate, then probate could be in your future. For tips on how to avoid probate, see our other blog post here. When probate is required, then the role of personal representative will come into play. Next, we will examine what exactly is probate and outline a personal representative’s duties throughout the process.