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Experienced Estate Administration Lawyers

Estate administration involves the management and distribution of an estate after death. It involves gathering and protecting assets; paying debts and expenses and transferring the remaining assets to the proper persons or entities.

The responsibilities, complexities and legalities of estate administration can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys and staff can provide help and relief by taking on those responsibilities on behalf of an executor, administrator or trustee.

You Don’t Have To Go Through Administration Alone

Paperwork

If you have been appointed the executor of an estate, you may not realize how complicated this responsibility can be. Besides dealing with the courts, it includes:

  • gathering and protecting assets
  • paying debts and expenses
  • transferring the remaining assets to the proper persons or entities

By engaging us as your attorney, you will be relieved of the need to invest time, effort, and emotional energy into managing your loved one’s estate.

We will be your guide and advisor throughout the process.

You can literally put all your documents in a box and bring it to us, and we will handle the rest!

Estate Administration Checklist

The appointed executor is responsible for administering an estate after the owner’s passing. This process requires attention to detail, adherence to legal requirements and delicate management of the family’s interpersonal dynamics.

Here is an estate administration checklist that serves as a framework, delineating key tasks and considerations for asset efficient and lawful distribution:

Contacting Beneficiaries

Upon the estate owner’s passing, the executor must contact all beneficiaries listed in their will. This involves ensuring accurate communication channels and confirming the recipients’ identities. Also, the executor must secure the estate’s assets and remain vigilant to prevent unauthorized individuals from attempting to incorrectly lay claim to those assets.

Real Estate Property

Distribution of all real estate assets left behind requires meticulous attention. The executor ensures that properties are transferred to the intended beneficiaries. In addition, executors must promptly address any legal complexities surrounding property ownership to facilitate smooth asset transfer.

Business Assets

In cases where the deceased owned a business, the executor must navigate the intricacies of business succession or delegation. It involves transferring ownership or management responsibilities per the estate plan or legal requirements.

Investments

Managing investment assets such as stocks, bonds and retirement funds is critical to estate administration. The executor is responsible for executing instructions outlined in the will regarding the distribution of financial assets. Additionally, it is paramount to adhere to legal stipulations and ensure rightful parties receive their financial dues.

Debts

The executor must carefully review and manage any outstanding debts accrued by the deceased, including addressing tax liabilities and other financial obligations. Compliance with legal requirements and adherence to the directives outlined in the will are essential to mitigate conflicts over asset distribution.

Addressing Conflicts Of Interest

Conflicts of interest may arise in asset distribution, especially among beneficiaries or relating to local laws. The executor must navigate these potential conflicts with transparency and impartiality to ensure the fair and lawful administration of the estate.

Experienced Estate Administration Lawyers

Our experienced attorneys and staff have more than 30 years of experience handling the complexities and bureaucracy of estate administration. We have worked on behalf of executors, administrators and trustees.

You can count on our compassionate guidance to manage the process for you.

Contact the Roanoke office of Ferris & Eakin, P.C., today to schedule your consultation with one of our lawyers. Call 540-345-1000 or fill out our online form to get in touch.