When handling a decedent’s estate, we meet with the estate representative (the executor or trustee, who is usually the surviving spouse, or a child) to review how the decedent’s will and trust direct the distribution of the estate. If the decedent had only a will (or no estate planning documents) we assist the client in a court-supervised probate administration. If the decedent had a trust, we assist the client in a trust administration, which doesn’t usually involve the court. We advise concerning the tasks to be performed, such as collecting assets, dealing with creditors and agencies, filing court petitions and appearing in court, managing assets, selling real estate, opening and closing accounts, working with their accountant with tax filings, communicating with beneficiaries, and supervising distribution of assets when ready. We advise the client how to manage the trusts going forward, if there are continuing trusts.