ProbateSanford Probate LawyersIf enforceable estate documents do not exist prior to the time of death, the estate of the decedent is administered and executed according to state law. At Harrington, Gilleland & Winstead, LLP, we represent family members, heirs, and beneficiaries in Lee County probate matters. For an effective voice in probate administration or a will contest, contact a Sanford, North Carolina, probate lawyer. Our Sanford probate lawyers handle all aspects of estate administration. We represent family members and beneficiaries in routine probate matters and complex probate litigation. Our attorneys can execute the estate according to North Carolina probate law, pay final bills and taxes, inventory assets, and distribute the balance among the beneficiaries. We also represent plaintiffs and defendants in probate litigation. In some cases, wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents have been prepared, but are unenforceable for a variety of reasons. Unsigned wills, improperly filed documents, or copies of estate documents are a few examples of unenforceable estate planning. When estate documents are deemed unenforceable, the estate is probated according to state law, which may be contrary to the wishes of the decedent. Estate ContestsWhen family members or other interested parties challenge the validity of a will or trust, the estate can be contested in civil court. The experienced trial attorneys at Harrington, Gilleland & Winstead, LLP, represent clients in estate litigation involving will contests, trust contests, and other estate disputes. Substantial estates involving large assets or issues of family business succession can lead to bitter estate contests. Some of these cases involve last minute changes to wills pushed on elderly family members. Other cases result from unsubstantiated estate challenges by expectant relatives or potential heirs. We have the experience and resources to handle complex estate disputes. Out of State ClientsOur Sanford law office helps children and other beneficiaries whose parents have moved to Carolina Trace or other North Carolina retirement communities. We handle estate planning, estate administration, and probate matters for out of state family members. For effective estate planning or representation in a probate matter, call the attorneys at Harrington, Gilleland & Winstead, LLP. Contact an experienced Sanford probate lawyer. Spanish-speaking staff • Hablamos Español Serving Lee County, North Carolina, the communities of Sanford, Broadway, Lemon Springs, and the military personnel at Fort Bragg |