Estate and Probate Attorney for 40+ Years

Upon the death of a family member, loved one, and/or significant person in your life, what needs to be done to wind-up the financial affairs of the deceased? The decedent may have made detailed plans in anticipation of death (a Revocable Living Trust) or may have done nothing. The decedent may have left a valid Last Will and Testament or may have died without a Last Will and Testament. 

If there is a valid Last Will and Testament, the Will probably names a personal representative or executor to handle the decedent’s financial affairs. If there is no valid Last Will and Testament, the family should designate someone to look at the decedent’s financial affairs to determine what needs to be done to wind-up the decedent’s financial affairs. If there is a Revocable Living Trust, the Trust Agreement probably designates a Successor Trustee.

The guidance of an experienced Estate attorney can help formulate a strategy for the right course of action and for minimizing costs. Can the assets within the Estate be distributed to the heirs without Probate? Does the Estate qualify for a less costly Small Estate Affidavit process? If judicial Probate is necessary, how do you get started and what is the legal procedure?

Administration of an Estate can involve legal issues in many different areas of law, such as elder law, trust law, real estate law, insurance law, family law, contract law, business law, corporate law, debtor-creditor law, Federal and State tax law, and/or civil litigation. Choosing an attorney with extensive knowledge and a depth of experience in many areas of law and finance can make the difference between an orderly or chaotic administration of the Estate.