When someone dies there is usually much sadness and grief.  Unfortunately, there is also the legal aspect which is called Estate Administration.  When a person dies, all his or her possessions – real estate, money, stocks, personal belongings, etc. – become a part of his or her estate. Estate Administration refers to management and settlement of estates of an individual passing either with or without a Will.  Administration of estates is usually begins in court at the Register of Wills Office in the County where the deceased person lived.  Sometimes this is referred to as “Probate.” Administration is done under court supervision by appointing a person duly qualified and legally appointed.

The person so appointed is called an administrator or executor. The administrator is responsible for administering and settling the estate pursuant to the will or state statutory rules of descent and distribution. The responsibilities of an administrator include: 1. the collection of decedents’ assets; 2. payment of debts and claims against the estate; 3. payment of estate taxes; 4. distribution of remainder of the estate among those entitled thereto.

Services

How can we help?  

• We can review the Will or if there is no Will discuss the distribution under the law.
• We can prepare all of the paperwork needed to have an individual appointed as the Administrator or Executor.
• We will go with you to the Register of Wills to have that individual appointed.
• We can prepare for any unusual challenges, such as the Will not properly executed, missing witnesses to the Will, or other procedural issues.  
• We can handle all the administrative responsibilities, such as notification, advertising, handling creditor’s claims.
• We can assist in the preparation of the court required filings such as an inventory and notices of the hesitate.
• We can prepare the appropriate Inheritance Tax Returns,
• We will assist in assuring proper accounting and final distribution to properly assure no future responsibility of the court appointed administrator or executor. now Will