Estate and Trust Administration

If you have been nominated as the personal representative in someone’s will, it is your responsibility to open a probate estate when that person dies. Probate estate administration is the court process by which the property of a person who has died is distributed. Administering a probate estate involves gathering the assets, paying the deceased person’s debts and final expenses, and distributing the remaining assets. Probate is necessary if a person has a will, and is often necessary if a person dies without a will (also known as intestate). The probate process can be confusing, and there are specific timelines that must be met. I help my clients avoid mistakes in administration and make sure they are not held personally liable for the decedent's debts.

If you have been nominated as the trustee of someone’s trust, you are responsible for trust administration after that person dies. Trust administration involves providing notices and accountings and meeting specific timelines. It is very important to meet these timelines and deadlines to avoid court involvement. Attorney Kristin A. Davis helps her clients navigate the process of trust administration from start to finish.