The loss of a loved one is a very difficult period. This is not the time most people are at their best. It is particularly challenging when you are asked to begin making financial and legal decisions. This is especially true for the surviving spouse who had little or no involvement in the financial matters of the family. It is stressful on the children if they are just hearing about the family's plan for the first time or, worse yet, learning one was never completed.
Our attorneys are sensitive to these concerns and issues and are committed to the delivery of probate and trust administration services with sensitivity to the special concerns of our clients. We work closely with executors, personal representatives, and trustees to make the process of probate and trust administration as easy and pain-free as possible.
Our probate and trust administration assistance includes:
- Determining the surviving spouse's immediate needs—and ensuring they are met,
- Reviewing and communicating the terms of the decedent's will and/or trusts,
- Advising and guiding personal representatives (executors) and trustees of the estate regarding their duties and applicable laws related to their positions,
- Inventorying the estate,
- Advising with respect to any challenges to the decedent's will or trust,
- Preparing and filing all necessary probate court documents,
- Handling claims against the estate,
- Obtaining Tax ID numbers and retitling assets, if necessary,
- Advising with respect to any disputes among estate beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and the executor,
- Providing postmortem tax planning, including effective use of tax elections and disclaimers,
- Overseeing distributions to the beneficiaries, including the special concerns of distributions to minors,
- Reviewing and assisting the CPA on all federal and state estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns,
- Bringing closure to the process for everyone involved.
We know that in the trying time following the loss of a loved one, the added responsibilities of tying up legal and financial matters can become overwhelmingly burdensome. The process can be lengthy as well as emotionally draining. We will work with your personal representative (executor) and/or your successor trustee to complete the process.
It is our desire to make the entire process as efficient and smooth as possible while making sure that your wishes and desires are respected.