Upon the death of a Delaware resident, certain filings are required with the office of the Register of Wills. In many instances, the estate must also be probated. Probate is the procedure under Delaware law through which a decedent’s financial affairs are settled and any remaining assets distributed. The probate process is handled or overseen by the estate’s executor (if one was named in the will) or administrator (if no one was named in the will or if there is no will). We can help the executor or administrator fulfill his or her duties, which include filing documents with the Register of Wills’ office on a set timetable, filing tax returns, and making decisions about paying off debts and distributing assets.

Unfortunately, the death of a family member sometimes also results in disputes among the survivors concerning the will or the estate. We can work to resolve these disputes, either through the court system or, where possible, informally. We have represented both estates and beneficiaries in matters ranging from disputes about the interpretation of a will to disputes arising from the decedent’s alleged debts.