Probate is the process of disposing of a deceased person's assets. It takes account of a will, if one exists, while also weighing any outstanding claims (debts and unpaid taxes, for example) that may exist against the deceased's estate. When a person dies without a valid will they are said to be "intestate", a situation that can make settling the estate a longer and more complex process.

Probate can be an extremely stressful procedure, particularly for survivors who are still coping with the loss of a loved one. Proper estate planning is the essential first step in ensuring that probate goes smoothly. Estate planning by itself, however, does not guarantee a speedy probate proceeding.

Danziger Shapiro & Leavitt is a Philadelphia-based law firm. Our experienced estate and trust attorneys can represent your estate in court, guiding it, and your survivors, through the entire probate process and overseeing the distribution of assets in accordance with your final wishes. In exceptional circumstances we are also willing to consider representing survivors who wish to contest a will. Call our Philadelphia office to schedule a consultation and begin the process of putting your affairs in order, with an eye to easing the burden on those you leave behind.