Probate and Trust Administration
After someone passes away, certain legal steps are required to ensure the transfer of assets and the wrapping up of a person’s affairs. Generally, these steps are referred to as “estate administration.” If you have been named as a personal representative or are otherwise responsible, you may be unsure of what you’re supposed to do to probate the estate.
Efficient legal representation eases the burden of estate administration.
From filing the initial paperwork to closing the estate, I can help you administer an estate of any size or complexity. I will represent you with diligence, efficiency, and compassion.
Areas of Focus
We work with clients in these areas:
- Wills (simple or complex)
- Trusts (revocable or irrevocable, A/B marital and family trusts, life insurance trusts and charitable trusts)
- Powers of attorney
- Health care directives
- Gifting strategies
- Probate and trust administration
FAQs
A probate attorney represents the personal representative of the estate. The personal representative handles all matters to wrap up an estate.
Often, a person named to serve as the representative is not familiar with all actions to take or how to accomplish certain tasks. In these cases, the representative hires an attorney to advise, prepare, serve and file all necessary court documents, and to work with the representative to get everything done.
While it’s commonly said that the probate attorney is “the attorney for the estate,” the attorney’s true client is the personal representative. Such an attorney generally cannot represent estate heirs. If a conflict arises, the heirs would hire a separate attorney to represent them.
The personal representative is legally responsible for accurately and completely administering the estate. In fact, this representative has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate heirs. Breach of that duty could result in personal liability to the representative. As a result, a personal representative often hires a probate attorney when he or she needs or want assistance and guidance carrying out their duties.
Different attorneys offer different fee structures. I charge an hourly fee for representing clients in probate matters. Because each estate presents a different level of complexity, and because of uncertainty that may arise, there is no one answer to this question. After the initial consultation, I would be able to provide an estimate of the expected cost.