“Never say you know a man until you have divided an Inheritance with him.” ~ Johann Kaspar Lavater
Every individual can expect to experience loss many times during her or his lifetime. Mourning the death of a loved one is important to the healing process: there is no right way or wrong way; each of us has our own personal way of grieving. Planning for death is an important segment of every financial plan. Administering the estate of a decedent is usually the final step of an individual’s financial plan. Even if the decedent did not prepare a formal plan, the estate will generally be administered in accordance with the laws of the state of her or his domicile as of the date of death. We are mindful of the emotional issues that a family will face during the administration process. We know that obtaining sound legal advice and counsel is important to complete the administration process properly. It is also important to avoid costly errors that can occur in administering an estate. We guide our clients through the maze of administration matters to avoid unnecessary costly errors. We are able to address the needs of our clients in this area by providing advice and legal services that include:
- Probate of the Last Will (Testate)
- Probate without a Last Will (Intestate)
- Preparation of a Petition for Letters Testamentary (Testate)
- Preparation of a Petition for Letters of Administration (Intestate)
- Duties of the personal representative (An Executor if appointed under a Will; otherwise an Administrator)
- Safeguarding and collecting assets
- Advertising the Estate
- Notifying and dealing with beneficiaries
- Preparation and filing of required probate documents
- Payment of expenses and debts
- Advice concerning the preparation of required income and death tax returns
- Advice concerning the timing and payment of income and death taxes
- Accounting to the beneficiaries formally through the Courts or informally by agreement if appropriate
- Funding of testamentary trusts (created under the terms of a Last Will or in accordance with the terms of a Trust created during life)
- Timing and method of distribution to beneficiaries.
We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family during your time of need. We look forward to the opportunity to be of service to you at this difficult time.