Trust and Estate Administration / Probate
Guiding trustees, personal representatives, and families through probate and estate administration.
Where We Excel
Leveraging experience and expertise to work for you
We guide trustees, personal representatives, and families through the legal and administrative responsibilities that follow the death or incapacity of a loved one. Whether administering a trust outside of court or navigating the probate process, we provide practical guidance to help clients fulfill their fiduciary duties, resolve legal issues, and distribute assets efficiently. Our goal is to ease the administrative burden while ensuring the estate is managed in accordance with the law and the decedent’s wishes.
Guiding Fiduciaries Through the Administration Process
Serving as a trustee or personal representative carries significant legal responsibilities. We help fiduciaries understand their duties, manage estate or trust assets, communicate with beneficiaries, satisfy creditor claims, and complete the administration process with confidence and efficiency.
Resolving Estate and Trust Matters
The administration process often involves questions regarding probate, trusts, taxes, creditor claims, asset transfers, and beneficiary distributions. We help clients navigate these issues, resolve complications, and keep the administration moving forward while minimizing unnecessary delays and disputes.
Principles of Practice Areas
Providing clear legal support during a difficult and emotional time.
Helping trustees and personal representatives complete their responsibilities as smoothly as possible.
Assisting clients in understanding and fulfilling their legal obligations.
Addressing complex estate and trust issues with practical, results-oriented solutions.
Working to minimize conflict and facilitate the orderly transfer of assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about our Trust and Estate Administration / Probate Practice
What is the difference between trust administration and probate?
Trust administration generally involves managing and distributing assets held in a trust without court supervision, while probate is the court-supervised process of administering assets owned solely by the deceased. Which process applies depends on how the estate was structured.
Do all estates have to go through probate?
No. Many assets pass outside of probate through trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, or other non-probate transfers. We can help determine which assets require probate and which do not.
What are the responsibilities of a trustee or personal representative?
Fiduciaries are responsible for gathering and managing assets, paying valid debts and taxes, communicating with beneficiaries, maintaining accurate records, and distributing assets according to the trust, will, or applicable law.
How long does trust or estate administration take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, creditor claims, tax matters, and any disputes that arise. While some administrations can be completed in a matter of months, others may take a year or longer.
Do I need an attorney to administer a trust or estate?
While not always required, legal guidance can help fiduciaries understand their duties, avoid costly mistakes, comply with legal requirements, and efficiently complete the administration process.
