Probate & Trust Administration

The need for post-death administration arises when an individual passes away and leaves behind assets—including real estate and closely-held business interests—that must be properly managed, transferred, or distributed. Whether those assets are held in a living trust or in the decedent’s individual name determines whether trust administration or probate administration is required. In either case, these processes involve legal, financial, and procedural responsibilities that benefit from experienced guidance to ensure the decedent’s wishes are carried out efficiently and in compliance with applicable law. And when a business is involved, these processes often intersect with prior (or urgent) business succession planning to ensure continuity of operations, preservation of value, and a smooth transition of ownership.

Decedent’s Trust Administration

When a loved one passes away with a living trust, the successor trustee is responsible for managing and distributing the trust assets in accordance with the trust’s terms. We guide trustees through each step of this process to ensure compliance with legal duties and to minimize risk.

Our services include advising on fiduciary responsibilities, assisting with identifying and valuing trust assets, and helping prepare required notices to beneficiaries and creditors. Where a business is involved, we assist with implementing succession provisions, coordinating with key advisors, and addressing governance or ownership transitions. We coordinate the collection and safeguarding of assets, work with accountants to address tax obligations, and prepare accountings to keep beneficiaries informed. We also assist with the orderly distribution of assets and resolving any disputes that may arise among beneficiaries.

The goal is to efficiently carry out the decedent’s wishes, maintain business continuity where applicable, and protect the trustee from liability.

Decedent’s Probate Administration

Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a decedent’s estate when assets are held outside of a trust or otherwise require court oversight. We represent personal representatives (executors or administrators) throughout this process from start to finish, including situations involving closely held businesses or ownership interests

Our services include preparing and filing the necessary court petitions, obtaining appointment of the personal representative, and assisting with the identification, inventory, and appraisal of estate assets. We guide clients in providing required notices to heirs and creditors, managing creditor claims, and complying with all court procedures and deadlines. When a business is part of the estate, we advise on interim management, succession options, and potential transfers or sales.

In addition, we coordinate with tax professionals to address income and estate tax matters, prepare accountings, and assist with the final distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries. Throughout the process, we work to streamline administration, avoid unnecessary delays, and reduce the potential for disputes.