Estate, Trust, & Probate Administration

Whether you have a large estate or own a few assets, it helps to have a clear plan in place in the event of your incapacitation or death. Failing to prepare an estate plan can make settling your affairs more complicated for your family and beneficiaries.

Estate and Trust Administration: Do You Need an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is a legal procedure of making it clearly known how your assets should be handled after your death or incapacitation. An estate plan is usually set up with the help of a lawyer experienced in estate law. Many people believe that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy, but this is a common misconception. In reality, anyone who wishes to ensure their assets are distributed to their chosen survivors after death should consider creating an estate plan with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney.

At Jewell Elder Law, we understand that estate planning varies greatly depending on individual needs and circumstances. We are dedicated to crafting personalized estate plans that cater to your unique requirements and goals.

Why Choose Jewell Elder Law for Your Estate Planning Needs?

Jewell Elder Law is a comprehensive legal firm specializing in estate planning and elder law. We pride ourselves on offering a holistic approach to managing your estate planning and long-term care needs. Our team of skilled professionals will listen to your needs, create a tailored estate plan, and provide ongoing support to ensure it remains effective over time.

Our Services

Estate Administration

Guidance and Support: An elder law attorney can guide executors and administrators through the process of managing and settling an estate, ensuring compliance with state laws and the terms of the will.
Asset Inventory: They assist in identifying, locating, and valuing the decedent's assets, including bank accounts, real estate, investments, and personal property.
Debt and Tax Management: The attorney helps manage and pay the decedent’s debts and taxes, including estate taxes, and ensures that all necessary filings are completed accurately and on time.
Distribution of Assets: They oversee the distribution of assets to beneficiaries as outlined in the will, ensuring that each beneficiary receives their rightful inheritance.

Trust Administration

Trustee Guidance: An elder law attorney can advise trustees on their duties and responsibilities, helping them understand and fulfill their legal obligations.
Asset Management: They work with financial advisors to assist in managing trust assets, ensuring they are invested prudently and in accordance with the terms of the trust.
Beneficiary Communication: The attorney helps maintain clear communication with beneficiaries, providing updates and ensuring transparency.
Tax Filings and Compliance: They work with tax professionals to handle the preparation and filing of any required tax returns for the trust, ensuring compliance with all relevant tax laws.

Probate Administration

Filing the Will: An elder law attorney helps file the will with the appropriate probate court and initiates the probate process.
Court Representation: They represent the executor or administrator in probate court, handling all legal proceedings and ensuring the process follows the legal requirements.
Resolving Disputes: If disputes arise among beneficiaries or with creditors, the attorney can mediate and work towards a resolution, or represent the estate in litigation if necessary.
Finalizing the Estate: The attorney ensures that all debts, taxes, and expenses are paid and that the remaining assets are distributed to the rightful beneficiaries, closing the probate process efficiently.

By providing these services, an elder law attorney ensures that estate, trust, and probate administration are conducted smoothly, legally, and in a manner that respects the decedent’s wishes and protects the interests of the beneficiaries.

How Jewell Elder Law Can Help

Estate administration, trust administration, and probate are important processes that occur after someone passes away. Estate administration involves managing and distributing a person's assets according to their will or state law if there is no will. A key part of this process is identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. Trust administration involves managing assets held in a trust for the benefit of beneficiaries. The trustee is responsible for following the terms of the trust, investing assets wisely, and distributing them to beneficiaries according to the trust document.

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and overseeing its execution. It involves filing the will with the court, identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. Probate can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring court appearances and legal filings. An elder law attorney can help with these processes by guiding you through the legal requirements, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly, and representing your interests in court if needed. They can also help you navigate any disputes that may arise among beneficiaries or with creditors, helping to resolve them in a timely and efficient manner.

Having an attorney assist with estate administration, trust administration, and probate can provide peace of mind during a difficult time. They can help ensure that the process is carried out smoothly and in accordance with the law, minimizing the risk of errors, delays, or disputes. By having professional guidance, you can focus on grieving and other important matters, knowing that your loved one's estate is being handled properly.

Ready to secure your future? Contact Jewell Elder Law to discuss your estate planning needs and ensure your assets and loved ones are protected.