Estate and Trust Administration

In the event of someone’s death, it is extremely important to notify an estate planning attorney immediately.  Important decisions must be made, and paperwork needs to be filed upon the death of an individual.  If mistakes are made during estate or trust administration, the damage usually cannot be reversed.  While probate may not be necessary, because all assets are held in a trust and/or list beneficiaries who survived the deceased individual, real estate and other assets may need to be retitled, tax identification numbers for a trust and/or estate may be needed, an accounting of the estate may be required, and tax returns may need to be filed. The beneficiaries of the deceased individual may also need to create or update their own estate planning documents.  In addition, even though probate may not be necessary, it may be preferable to open a probate estate when the amount of assets or the liabilities are unknown.