Probate and Trust Administration
When grieving the loss of a loved one, the probate process or trust administration can be overwhelming. We assist you in navigating unfamiliar tasks for a smoother and less daunting process.
The probate and trust administration process is not intuitive. Experienced counsel helps avoid expensive, complicated problems down the road.
In many probate and trust administration matters, the Executor or Administrator may never have handled a Virginia estate before, and suddenly finds himself or herself in a complex and unfamiliar position, with many serious responsibilities and duties imposed by law. We provide guidance throughout the estate process and will be as hands on—or off—as the client desires. We assist with qualification, the notice to heirs and inventory, accountings, and the closing of an estate or trust. We also assist clients in matters involving the Commissioner of Accounts.
In other situations, family members and other beneficiaries are left in the dark and fearing the worst because the Executor or Trustee may not share information with them. We have helped many people through probate and estate administration matters, from very simple and straightforward estates to ones where problems have gone unresolved for years. In some circumstances, a simple request for information is able to resolve fears and in other cases, legal action can be necessary.
We provide experienced, compassionate advice as you go through this process.
We assist Executors with:
Qualification with the probate clerks as Executor or Administrator
Collecting information about assets and debts, including preparing an inventory and obtaining any needed appraisals
Filing the inventory and accountings required by the Commissioner of Accounts
Dealing with companies in which the deceased owned an interest
Communicating with heirs and beneficiaries about the estate and their interests in it
Paying debts owed by the deceased
Filing state and federal income tax returns for the estate
Filing any gift tax returns which may be needed to report gifts made before death
Distributing the deceased person’s assets as directed by his or her estate planning documents
Additional matters we can provide help with include:
Admitting or contesting a copy of a will for probate
Advising and representing beneficiaries
Advising Trustees throughout the duration of a trust, including ensuring that distributions are proper
“If you are looking for great attention to detail and hyper responsiveness, this is your firm. They will respect your needs and get it done. ”
— Rob Krupicka