Do You Know How to Navigate Probate or Trust Administration

after the loss of a Loved One?

Losing people we care about can bring some of life’s most difficult moments. In the days and weeks after a loss, you deal with grief and a roller coaster of other emotions.  It’s likely that your state of mind is not compatible with navigating complicated legal processes or filling out legal forms. What’s worse, if family conflict begins to unfold after a death, this already difficult time can become significantly more stressful. 

At La strada Law, we’re here to guide you through this difficult time. We’re here to help you navigate, whether your loved one died with a Will, Trust, or without either. 

Probate is a court process that is used when someone dies with a Will or without a Will.  The process typically involves:

• Filing initial documents with the court
• Identifying the Executor(s) or Administrator(s) 
• Qualification of the Personal Representative(s)
• Identifying, inventorying and appraising all assets of the estate
• Issuing notices
• Paying claims against the estate to creditors
• Preparation of accountings for the estate
• Selling estate assets
• Payment of taxes and completing tax compliance matters
• Distribution of assets to heirs

Handling probate can be a frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive public process.  We can help reduce your frustration and let you focus on properly grieving your loved one.

If someone dies with a Trust, the probate process may not be necessary if the planning was properly completed and all assets are properly named.  Every trust has a named “trustee” or “successor trustee” who is responsible for carrying out and complying with the terms of the trust and applicable laws. This position comes with responsibility, and if not handled properly can lead to liability. 

In most cases, seeking legal guidance to help with the trust administration is the best and most careful course of action.

The trust administration process may involve:

• Notification to heirs and beneficiaries
• Identifying, inventorying, and appraising the value of estate assets
• Paying debts, expenses, and taxes of the estate
• Preparation of accountings for the estate during administration
• Seeking professional advice as to disposition of assets or benefits 
• Completing tax returns and tax compliance matters
• Communication with beneficiaries 
• Distribution or maintenance of assets in accordance with trust terms

Although the trust administration process can be complicated and time consuming, one of the major benefits that a trust creates is allowing this process to happen outside the public court system. We will help you administer the trust as quickly and smoothly as possible, guiding you in your duties, reducing your exposure to risk, and helping you to manage the administration. 

If you’ve lost a loved one, have been named as an Executor or Trustee, or you’re not sure what rights or duties you might have after someone has died, we can help you navigate. We understand how important it is to carry out your loved one’s wishes, and will guide you along the way. 

Have questions about what you need to do after the loss of a loved one?

Let’s Talk.

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