Probate and Estate Administration

Washington, DC Probate Attorney Dorothy Simpson Dickerson

Though the probate process is complex, its purpose is not difficult to understand. After your death, your assets need to be distributed to your heirs and your debts need to be paid. The probate court appoints a personal representative to sign deeds, write checks, and handle any remaining business affairs. This can often be a long, complicated, and bureaucratic nightmare for many families.

At the Law Offices of Dorothy Simpson Dickerson, our staff is dedicated to helping clients understand probate and the issues related to the administration and distribution of a deceased individual’s estate. Clients deal directly with experienced Attorney Dorothy Simpson Dickerson, who has been practicing for more than 20 years and possesses an extensive knowledge of probate, estate planning, and elder law matters. Attorney Dickerson is capable of handling multiple probates and other matters for one client. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Attorney Dickerson.

The slow progress of your estate through probate can be very frustrating. Although this complex process usually takes at least six months to complete, some estates can take years. Most people assume that their estates are simple and will move swiftly through the system. Regardless of how simple an estate appears, a full probate claims period is required by law to be at least six months. Delays caused by an inexperienced lawyer could add weeks, months, or years to the process. It is important to use an experienced probate attorney to cut out the "learning curve"...and unnecessary errors, mistakes, and delays.

What is a "living probate"? Guardianships and Conservatorships

When you mention the word “probate,” most people think it is a process that only happens when you die. Unfortunately, probate can also happen while a person is alive. Often referred to as a "living probate," it is technically called a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding. When an adult becomes incapacitated, the probate court will appoint a guardian to handle their personal affairs and a conservator to take care of their assets. Also, if a child inherits or is awarded assets, the court will appoint a legal guardian. These court-appointed agents must file strict annual accountings with the court. The entire proceeding, unfortunately, can be expensive, time consuming, humiliating, and very sad. However, this intervention is essential for people who are unable to handle their own affairs.

At the Law Offices of Dorothy Simpson Dickerson, we assist families through guardianship and conservatorship proceedings with care, compassion, and attention to detail. We are very focused on helping our clients obtain the guardianship or conservatorship they need in order to care for a loved one, while preserving the dignity of that person to every extent possible.

Of course, the best way to deal with the reality that aging often brings about greater reliance on others is to plan in advance. Often, with timely and appropriate tools such as Durable Powers of Attorney over assets and healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid planning, and other elder law advice from an experienced attorney, you can prevent the need for a guardianship or conservatorship altogether.

If you have an estate about to enter probate and need assistance, if you are considering the need for guardianship or conservatorship over a family member, if you have been appointed as a guardian or conservator, or if you need a Power of Attorney, we can help. Contact Washington, D.C., probate lawyer Dorothy Simpson Dickerson today, and ask about a free consultation. Attorney Dickerson and her firm also assist clients located out of state that may have legal issues in the District of Columbia.

Law Offices of Dorothy Simpson Dickerson

5335 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 440
Washington, D.C. 20015
Phone: 202.628.2727 • Fax: 301.388.0856
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Probate, estate planning, and elder law attorney Dorothy Simpson Dickerson provides representation to clients throughout Washington, D.C., in all areas such as Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, George Washington University, Downtown, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Sheridan, Logan Circle, Mount Vernon Square, Shaw, West End, Barney Circle, Capitol Hill, Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Kingman Park, Navy Yard, Near Northeast, Penn Quarter, NoMa, Southwest Federal Center, Southwest Waterfront, Union Station, and the National Mall. Attorney Dickerson and her firm also assist clients located out of state that may have legal issues in the District of Columbia.