Probate and Trust Administration

Upon the death of a loved one, whether they had a will, trust or no estate plan at all, it is important for the surviving family members to consult with an attorney experienced in the administration of estates and trusts. Various legal and tax matters that should be addressed in a timely fashion, including tax elections as it relates to certain types of assets, especially retirement accounts (e.g., IRA’s, 401(k)’s, 403(b)’s, etc.). Consulting with an experienced attorney at the beginning of the process, even if the family member decides to handle many of the tasks himself or herself, can help achieve some tax savings and avoid potential costly tax and legal mistakes.