Probate and Trust Administration

How to Settle an Estate with Dignity and Precision

When you are tasked with managing a loved one’s final affairs, you carry a heavy responsibility. The legal processes of probate and trust administration are complex and can be unforgiving. Our attorneys provide the knowledgeable counsel you need to navigate these duties correctly, efficiently, and with peace of mind.

Comprehensive Guidance Through the Probate Process

The probate of an estate is a court supervised process that requires meticulous attention to detail. A single missed deadline or an improperly filed document can cause costly delays and unnecessary stress. Our probate attorneys provide clear, step by step direction for personal representatives.

We manage the entire probate administration from start to finish. Our services ensure that every legal requirement is met.

1. We counsel you on your specific duties and responsibilities as a personal representative.

2. We prepare and file all necessary documents to open and administer the probate estate with the court.

3. We assist with the proper notification of heirs and creditors.

4. We guide you in the collection, inventory, and appraisal of estate assets.

5. We ensure all legitimate debts and taxes are addressed, including the filing of state and federal estate tax returns when required.

6. We oversee the final distribution of assets to the rightful beneficiaries according to the will or state law.

Our objective is to complete the probate process as swiftly and as economically as the law allows, allowing you to focus on your family.

Counsel for Trustees on Their Fiduciary Duties

Serving as a trustee is a significant legal and financial appointment. You have a fiduciary duty to manage the trust’s assets prudently and strictly according to the terms of the trust document. Failure to do so can expose you to personal liability.

Our attorneys provide essential guidance to trustees to ensure they fulfill these obligations completely and honorably.

We provide counsel for every aspect of trust administration. This includes the initial funding of the trust through asset transfers, such as real property deeds. We advise on the collection and sound management of trust assets and ensure the timely and accurate distribution of those assets to beneficiaries. By providing you with sound legal advice, we help you administer the trust with confidence and precision.

To fulfill your duties as a personal representative or trustee correctly, professional legal counsel is essential. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with an experienced probate and trust administration attorney.