Walking into probate court for the first time can feel like stepping off a plane in a foreign country—with no translator and zero Wi-Fi. You’re met with paperwork, legal jargon, and courtroom etiquette you’ve never needed to know… all while you’re grieving. Let’s just say, it’s a lot.
At Voorhees Law Group, we help real people like you make sense of the probate process—minus the confusion and courtroom headaches. Even better? We help families avoid probate entirely the next time around. So whether you’re gearing up for your first hearing or thinking, “Let’s not do this again,” this is for you.
Probate 101: The Basics
Probate is the court’s way of making sure a person’s estate is handled properly after they pass. The court validates the will (if there is one), ensures debts get paid, and oversees the transfer of assets.
Sounds straightforward, but let’s be real—it rarely is.
Probate can drag on for months (sometimes longer), run up legal bills, and make a very private time feel painfully public. And if there’s no will? You’ve just added drama to an already emotional situation.
But we’ll give credit where it’s due—probate does ensure things are done by the book. Still, most people agree: if you can skip it, skip it.
So What Actually Happens at Your First Probate Hearing?
Think of it as the official kickoff. The judge reviews the will, appoints an Executor or Administrator (maybe you), and gives anyone with an objection a chance to raise it. Here’s what else to expect:
- You’ll head to the county courthouse where your loved one lived
- The judge confirms whether the will is valid (or if there isn’t one)
- If all is in order, you get officially appointed to manage the estate
- Anyone with objections may speak up (sometimes this gets messy)
- You wait your turn—because court calendars are not known for efficiency
Feeling nervous? That’s normal. But this isn’t a courtroom drama—no one’s here to ambush you. The judge is there to keep things legal, not scary.
How to Prepare Like You’ve Been Here Before
Here’s your checklist if you’re heading into your first probate hearing:
- Know the will: Understand who gets what and why. Surprises are for birthdays—not court.
- Bring the paperwork: Death certificate, original will, a list of assets, debts, and anything else the attorney told you to bring.
- Lawyer up: A good probate attorney = fewer headaches and costly mistakes.
- Brace for objections: Especially if there’s family tension or a lot of money involved.
- Dress like it matters: You don’t need heels or a tie, but leave the yoga pants at home.
And yes, bring a notepad. Judges talk fast, and you’ll want to remember what they said later.
What Comes Next?
If you’re officially named the Executor, congratulations—you’ve just landed the least glamorous role in family management. Here’s your new job description:
- Notify all heirs and creditors
- Pay off valid debts and taxes
- Distribute assets according to the will
- Keep detailed records of every dime
- Eventually, file paperwork to officially close the estate
Exhausting? Yes. That’s why so many families tell us, “We don’t want our kids to deal with this.”
Want to Skip Probate Altogether? Here’s How
Good news: you can. With the right planning, your loved ones can avoid the entire court process. Here are the tools we use to make that happen:
- Revocable living trusts: Transfer assets during life and avoid court later
- Beneficiary designations: On retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts
- Joint ownership with rights of survivorship: (Used strategically—it’s not for everyone)
- Payable-on-death accounts: Streamlined asset transfers
Plus, trust-based planning gives you more control. Want to hold off giving Junior a chunk of change until he’s 30? Done. Want to protect your daughter’s inheritance from a future ex-spouse? We’ve got a plan for that, too.
Bottom Line: Plan Smart—Whether You’re In It Now or Want to Avoid It Later
If you’re currently navigating probate, we’ll guide you through it—step by step. And if you’d rather make sure your family never sets foot in a probate courtroom again? That’s where we shine.
Let’s save your loved ones the stress, time, and cost of probate court. Request a free consultation and let’s talk about your plan today.