Administration & Settlement of Trusts & Estates

At The Van Winkle Law Firm, we work closely with beneficiaries, trustees, and executors. Our attorneys help ensure that estates are managed efficiently and effectively during and after their transfer by advising these individuals on the complexities of personal liability, duties, and administration imposed by law.

The attorneys on our Trusts, Estates & Elder Law team work hard to assist with the administration and settlement of estates and trusts. Whether that means administering a trust for an incapacitated client or assisting an executor with the myriad of responsibilities that accompany the passing of a loved one, you can count on our team to ensure that your affairs are handled with the utmost professionalism. We have ample experience in the areas of trust administration and settlement, ancillary estate administrations, formal probate proceedings, and small estate administration.

When appropriate, one of our attorneys can also serve as a client’s agent. In these cases, we work with our client to develop and execute a comprehensive plan to manage the client’s affairs.

No matter what life stage you are at or what type of assistance you need, you can trust in our team to work with you to implement and execute a plan that fits your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

What Is Involved In Estate & Trust  Administration?

Estate and trust administration is a comprehensive legal process that involves the execution and management of a decedent’s will or trust. This is completed following the law and to the satisfaction of all relevant parties involved, such as beneficiaries, creditors, and the court. It is heavily regulated to address the rights, duties, and obligations of involved fiduciaries appropriately. The property and assets of a deceased person are accurately and equitably distributed. Estate and trust administration services include but are not limited to the following.

  • Managing and counseling beneficiaries, trustees, and executors
  • Carefully organizing and filing legal documents
  • Reviewing and coordinating tax-related matters with accounting professionals
  • Delivering legally-mandated notices
  • Engaging in searches for missing heirs
  • Preparing and scrutinizing final accountings

Our estate attorneys provide continuous guidance and support to clients to help ensure due compliance, effective resolution, and adherence to the decedent’s wishes for their legacy.

The Importance Of Proper Estate Administration

Proper estate administration ensures the efficient and accurate distribution of the decedent’s assets according to their wishes and protects the estate from potential legal issues and tax liabilities. A well-executed estate administration process mitigates the risk of disputes between beneficiaries and helps maintain family harmony. As each individual’s share is clearly outlined, the trust can avoid the potentially difficult and costly probate process. Additionally, an efficiently administered trust can also minimize tax liabilities on the decedent’s estate, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their full inheritance without exorbitant deductions. Ultimately, proper estate administration upholds the decedent’s legacy, protects the interests of their beneficiaries, and facilitates the smooth transfer of assets without unnecessary complications.

How Our Estate Attorneys Can Help

The attorneys on our Trusts, Estates & Elder Law team work hard to assist with establishing and settling estates and trusts. Whether that means administering a trust for an incapacitated client or assisting an executor with the myriad of responsibilities that accompany the passing of a loved one, you can count on our team to ensure that your affairs are handled with the utmost professionalism. We have ample experience in trust administration and settlement, ancillary estate administrations, formal probate proceedings, and small estate administration. No matter what life stage you are at or what type of assistance you need, you can trust our NC law firm to work with you to implement and execute a plan that fits your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our estate and trust administration services and how we can help you.