Estate and Trust Administration / Probate

Estate and Trust Administration (oftentimes referred to as the “probate process” in the context of a Will) involves the carrying-out of an individual’s Last Will and Testament or Trust, and in the absence of a Will or Trust, it involves following the dictates of State law on how the decedent’s assets must be handled.  This could include the actual probate of a person’s Will or obtaining authority from the applicable probate court to administer a person’s estate if they did not have a Will.   If the decedent had a properly funded revocable living trust, this process will include the successor trustee carrying out the final wishes of the decedent.

Often, families feel overwhelmed with the tasks that must be faced after the loss of a loved one. Time and again, we have counted it a privilege to be called upon to assist families in our community during this difficult time. We are committed to assisting our clients through every phase of the process with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

If you have been appointed to serve as the executor or administrator of an estate or the trustee of a trust, we can assist you in fulfilling your duties  efficiently and effectively.

Some of our Estate and Trust Administration services include:

▪ Preparing and Filing Petitions in the Probate Court (e.g. Petition to Probate Will, Petition for Letters of Administration, Petition for Year Support)
▪ Preparing and Filing Notice to Debtors and Creditors
▪ Coordination with CPAs Regarding Tax Issues
▪ Consultation and Recommendations regarding Executor’s/Administrator’s/Trustee’s Duties and Obligations
▪ Dealing with Problematic Heirs/Beneficiaries
▪ Preparing and Filing Inventories and Annual Returns, if necessary
▪ Qualified Disclaimer Planning
▪ Assistance with Estate Distributions
▪ Preparing and Filing Discharge Petitions