Guidance for Trusted Survivors

If you are named as Personal Representative of an estate or Trustee of a trust, we can help ensure you meet your fiduciary duties in administering the estate or trust. The process can feel overwhelming, but we will explain your responsibilities and guide you through the process with a clear plan. We strive to make everything as straightforward and efficient as possible.

Our process starts with reviewing the assets, documents, and family situation of the decedent. Then we set up a comprehensive plan for the administration, and guide you through that plan with as much support as you need.

Probate

Probate is a court-supervised process for distributing the individually owned assets of a deceased person. Assets are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance to the instructions in the person’s Last Will and Testament — if they have one — otherwise in accordance with state law. If Probate is necessary, we will work to ensure the most efficient administration as possible.

Probate documents may include:

  • Petition for Letters Testamentary
  • Small Estate Affidavit
  • Creditor’s Refusal
  • Spousal Refusal
  • Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
  • Final distribution of estate assets
  • Waivers and Releases of Liability to ensure fiduciary protection

We can also assist beneficiaries with the receipt of non-probate asset transfers as well.  The paperwork for collecting assets is oftentimes complicated, but we can help you navigate the process with peace of mind.

Trust Administration & Trustee Support

Unlike Probate administration, Trust administration typically avoids involvement of the courts.  A comprehensive estate plan often includes a Trust for this reason.

As Trustee of a trust, there are duties you must follow under the terms of the document and state law.  We can explain your rights and obligations and ensure that you meet your fiduciary requirements.  We can also act as a buffer between you and the beneficiaries if necessary.

We can guide you through:

  • Beneficiary Notice requirements
  • Beneficiary Letters, Waivers & Releases
  • Selecting an Investment Advisor
  • Tax Reporting Requirements
  • Distribution standards
  • Trustee succession documents