Trust & Estate Administration Attorney in Carlsbad, California
When a loved one dies there are a range of emotions that come flooding in. It can be extremely overwhelming, even if their death was imminent. You may have moments of peace and calm or moments of anger and uncontrollable sobbing. Whatever it is that you are feeling in those moments needs to be recognized. You should be allowed to mourn however you need...after all, you just lost someone you cared a great amount for and the world as you know it will forever be different.
It usually does not take long after someone dies before you start to realize that there are decisions that need to be made, people that need to be notified, bills that need to be paid, etc. This realization can be overwhelming in a situation that is already difficult for you to handle.
This is where we can help.
Loved ones of the deceased individual often call our office, unsure what to do, or where to start. We like to let them know that they really do need to take time to mourn and process what just happened. We ask that copies of any estate planning documents plus certified copies of the death certificate be sent to our office. While you mourn, we begin the initial steps of the administrative process, giving you room to breath.
At North County Legal, APC, we do what we can to take much of the burden off of the Trustees and Executors of an estate, while helping them navigate the administrative process, contacting official agencies, notifying creditors, and notifying any beneficiaries and heirs at law.
If you are the Trustee or Executor of an estate, and feel overwhelmed, or just need help and guidance, contact us at North County legal, APC to see how we can help.
Trust and Estate Administration
At North County Legal, APC, we work closely with Trustees, Executors, and other advisors to ensure the decedent’s trust assets are collected, debts are paid, the appropriate government agencies are notified, accountings are properly prepared, and the remaining assets are distributed to the proper beneficiaries at the proper times.
Quite often appraisals will need to be done, Affidavits for Death may need to be filed with the County, assets will need to be gathered and place in an administrative trust account, and assets which sit outside of a trust will need to be accounted for.
All of this can be extremely complicated and time consuming, but we can help make the process as smooth and seamless as possible.
Trust and Estate Administration Services
Some of the services we provide during the administration include:
Identifying assets held by the decedent
Collecting and paying any outstanding debts
Obtaining appraisals and determining date of death values of assets
Helping trustees track all expenses and income the estate
Helping trustees remove the decedent's name from accounts and real property
Working with accountants to prepare final state and federal tax returns and any gift or estate tax returns
Notifying all heirs at law and beneficiaries of the estate
Our primary objective is to make this process as easy as possible for all parties involved, which in turn can keep matters out of the court system and can help keep peace and harmony within the family.