Services

Probate and real estate help for families in Richland and surrounding counties.

The office helps local clients and families through legal matters where clear documents, steady communication, and attention to local procedure matter.

Primary service

Probate

When someone dies, family members and personal representatives may suddenly be responsible for court filings, notices, deadlines, financial accounts, creditor issues, real estate transfers, and distributions to beneficiaries.

The office helps families and fiduciaries in Richland and surrounding counties through each stage of the process with clear advice and practical support.

Estate administration and probate filings
Executor, administrator, trustee, and fiduciary representation
Transfer of real estate through probate
Heirship, beneficiary, and estate disputes
Trust administration and guardianships

Primary service

Real Estate

Real estate transactions often involve family property, homes, local businesses, and significant financial decisions. Title issues, probate concerns, easements, liens, financing problems, survey disputes, and poorly drafted agreements can create problems long after closing.

Attorney Franco's background in real estate and title work helps clients identify issues early, understand the practical risks, and address them carefully.

Residential and commercial real estate transactions
Purchase agreements, deeds, and transfer documents
Title review and title curative work
Easements, boundary issues, and quiet title actions
Land contracts, leases, foreclosure, and landlord-tenant matters

Planning support

Estate Planning

Good estate planning is not just about documents. It is about protecting family members, reducing unnecessary conflict, and making sure decisions are handled by the right people when they matter most.

Wills and trusts
Durable powers of attorney
Health care powers of attorney
Living wills
Transfer-on-death affidavits and real estate planning documents

Related service

Small Business Matters

Small business legal questions often overlap with real estate, taxation, ownership, and planning. The office helps local business owners and property owners in Richland and surrounding counties make practical decisions and understand the documents involved.

Business entity formation
Ownership and operating concerns
Real estate-related business issues
Business transitions and dissolution

Common questions

Probate and real estate questions families often ask.

Do all estates have to go through probate?

No. Some assets pass outside probate through survivorship rights, beneficiary designations, trusts, or transfer-on-death designations. The office can help determine what proceedings may be necessary.

How long does probate take?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the estate, creditor claims, tax issues, real estate transfers, and whether disputes arise.

What are the duties of an executor?

An executor or administrator has fiduciary responsibilities that often include gathering assets, preparing inventories, paying debts, filing court documents, and distributing assets properly.

Do you prepare deeds?

Yes. The office prepares and reviews deeds and other transfer documents for residential and commercial property.