Trust & Estate Administration

Have you been appointed as a trustee or executor?
When someone passes away, their estate must be collected, managed, and distributed.  Estate administration is the probate court process of gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries. Trust administration accomplishes the same goals privately, without going through probate.

As a fiduciary, you’re held to a high standard and must act carefully to avoid personal liability.

Merrill A. Hanson guides clients through estate and trust administration with a focus on efficiency and minimizing court involvement whenever possible. Most trust administrations require assistance with the following:

  • Trust interpretation
  • Preparation of statutory Notice to Beneficiaries
  • Preparation and recording of documents with the Registrar Recorder/County Clerk
  • Inventory of assets and liabilities
  • Obtaining trust tax identification number
  • Negotiation with creditors
  • Preparation of trust asset allocations and assistance with distributions
  • Trust Accounting
  • Business Succession
  • Changes in title
  • Coordination with other professionals for preparation of tax returns
  • Annual maintenance programs to assist with ongoing trust administrations
Man is a suit signing documents.

When probate is required, estate administrations often involve assistance with:

  • Identifying and locating beneficiaries
  • Filing a petition for administration of the estate with the probate court
  • Collecting and marshaling assets
  • Performing creditor claim procedures and sifting through claims
  • Filing an inventory and appraisal
  • Selling real estate
  • Accounting
  • Closing the estate

If litigation cannot be avoided, Merrill A. Hanson can represent a Trustee or Beneficiary in court, including but not limited to:

  • Will contest
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty
  • Failure to Account
  • Trust interpretation or modification

Compliance with laws and fiduciary duties in a quick and efficient manner is key to a smooth estate administration. To avoid probate court, start with a properly written estate plan.

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