Estate Administration

Honoring a loved one’s wishes

When someone dies, the process of collection, maintenance and ultimate distribution of their assets is called estate administration.  This process is carried out in accordance with either the will of the person who died, or by state law.

The estate administration process begins with the death of the decedent.  Typically, the decedent’s estate is opened by the personal representative (“executor”) or other interested persons by filing an application with the court to administer the estate.  The court then appoints a formal executor or administrator as the personal representative of the decedent’s estate.  It is then the responsibility of the personal representative to administer the estate and to account to the court for its administration.

Let us provide guidance and assistance in the following areas of estate administration—

Probate the will Prepare necessary court filings Handle estate creditors Prepare estate accountings

Establish and administer trusts Prepare any and all necessary tax returns Facilitate the distribution of estate assets Facilitate the distribution of trust assets

Longsworth Law LLC also represents personal representatives and potential heirs in will contests, disputes over accountings or valuations, and actions against trustees for a breach of fiduciary duty.

Let us assist you at a difficult time

We guide you through the process of estate and trust administration to ensure that all debts and taxes are paid, disputes are resolved, and all assets are distributed appropriately.  Throughout this process, we work to preserve assets and minimize costs to the estate.