Probate & Estate Administration
From the perspectives of the probate court and the taxing authorities, a death triggers the start of a process filled with tasks, rules, and deadlines.
From the perspective of the person responsible for settling the estate or trust, legal advice and guidance can make the process less burdensome.
Questions that Lori can help with:
- “If the deceased person had a will, what do the provisions in the will mean?”
- “If the deceased person did not have a will, who are their heirs? What does each heir inherit?”
- “If the deceased person had a trust, what do the terms of the trust mean? Who are the beneficiaries of the trust?”
The responsibility for administering the estate of a deceased person falls to the personal representative of the estate, called an executor or an administrator. The responsibility for administering the trust of a deceased person falls to the trustee of the trust.
- “If I am the personal representative of an estate, how do I find out about the deceased person’s assets and debts?”
- “What court filings are needed to open, administer, and close an estate? When are these filings due?”
- “If I am a personal representative or a trustee, what are my duties related to bills, debts, and creditors of the deceased person?
- “When should the deceased person’s final bills and the expenses of the estate be paid?”
- “What happens if the deceased person’s debts are more than the value of their assets?”
- “How soon can the beneficiaries receive their inheritance?”
- “Can I be paid for my work as personal representative or Trustee? How is the amount of compensation determined?”
Sometimes, the attorney will work together with other professionals so that the tax, banking and investment aspects of the estate or trust are properly handled.
- “Must the estate or the trust obtain a Tax Identification number?”
- “Who files the income tax return for the year in which the person died?”
- “Will the estate or the trust need to file its own tax return? When are these tax returns due?”
Lori can help you, as a personal representative or trustee, carry out your responsibilities as the law requires.
What Lori's clients are saying:
"Lori’s expertise was essential to my husband and me, steering us through the required Executor duties for a complicated Estate and the Trustee duties for a Trust. Lori identified and analyzed potential problems, found solutions and provided clear explanations to us. It was reassuring to have her step-by-step guidance through the process. She communicated with out-of-state family members, ensured we met deadlines for required official filings, and ensured the accuracy of all accounting and documentation. Lori’s professional skills and knowledge enabled us to accomplish a smooth and timely closing of the Estate and completion of the Trust business. As a bonus, we really enjoyed working with her!"