Protect Legacy & Avoid Probate - Fred Orentlich, Senior Financial

Hi, I’m Fred Orentlich, a senior financial services advisor with 30 years of experience.  I’ve been a licensed insurance and financial professional, helping thousands of clients navigate complex financial decisions. I’m proud to serve as the president and founder of Senior Financial Services Inc., where we specialize in protecting senior assets and planning for a secure retirement. I, Fred Orentlich, a senior financial service also had the privilege of training and mentoring more than 100 other financial professionals, helping them deliver top-tier service in these areas.

I focus on helping clients avoid or minimize probate — the legal process that transfers ownership of a deceased person’s property to their heirs. Probate can be a hurdle for families, often leading to delays, expenses, and disputes.

Over the years, I’ve licensed in over 10 states as an Independent Producer, advising clients on products like fixed annuities, equity-indexed annuities, and multi-year guaranteed annuities.  My mission is simple — to help clients safeguard their wealth and ensure their families are financially secure. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the probate process and why planning matters:

The Probate Process in Simple Steps

Hi, I’m Fred Orentlich. Over the years, I’ve guided many families through the complexities of probate and how to avoid it whenever possible. Here’s a simple breakdown of the probate process, along with my approach to protecting your assets and easing this burden:

Step 1: Understand What Is Probate.

Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring a deceased person’s assets to their rightful heirs.

Step 2: Why Is Probate Needed?

When someone passes away, the law requires their assets to be legally transferred — either according to their Will or, if no Will exists, by state law.

Step 3: Starting Probate

An executor named in the Will or a court-appointed administrator files a petition with the probate court to begin the process.

Step 4: Validating the Will

The court confirms the Will’s authenticity or, if there isn’t one, identifies the legal heirs.

Step 5: Notifying Heirs and Creditors

All interested parties, including creditors, are notified so debts against the estate can be settled.

Step 6: Inventory and Appraisal:

The executor compiles a list of assets and debts, sometimes having properties appraised.

Step 7: Paying Debts and Taxes:

The estate pays off valid debts, taxes, and expenses before distributing assets.

Step 8: Distributing Assets

The remaining assets are distributed to heirs as the Will or law directs.

Step 9: Closing the Estate:

The executor provides a final accounting to the court and closes the estate.

Why Probate Can Be Challenging

• It Takes Time: Probate can drag on for months or even years, delaying access to assets. 

• It’s Costly: Court fees, legal expenses, and executor fees reduce the value of the estate. 

• It’s Public: Probate records are public, making private family affairs accessible to anyone. 

• It’s Contestable: Wills can be challenged, potentially sparking disputes and delays.
  

Understanding the probate process is the first step—planning is how you protect your family’s future and preserve your legacy. With the right strategies, you can avoid unnecessary delays, costs, and stress for your loved ones.

Plan Today to Protect Your Legacy and Avoid Probate

Because of these challenges, my team and I, Fred Orentlich, a senior financial services advisor, focus on helping clients use strategies to avoid probate when possible. These include trusts, properly structured life insurance policies, and coordinated estate planning with legal and tax professionals. The goal is always to protect your family’s legacy and make asset transfer as smooth as possible.

Learn more about how to protect your assets and avoid probate headaches. Feel free to reach out. I, Fred Orentlich, a senior financial services advisor, am here to help you build a secure, worry-free future.