Bringing Clarity To Probate And Trust Administration Matters

Last updated on May 20, 2024

Nothing can completely prepare you for the loss of a loved one. In addition to the grief you’ll experience, you may also have to contend with legal matters involving your loved one’s estate.

Let me assist you in this difficult transition period. At The Law Office of Mary Beth Kelly, LLC, I understand that matters involving probate and trust administration go beyond legal requirements. I’ll take a comprehensive and personalized approach to helping you with your case, taking the legal burden off your shoulders.

What Is The Probate Process?

Probate is the court-supervised process of identifying and collecting the assets of a decedent, paying the decedent’s debts and distributing the balance to the decedent’s beneficiaries. Assets are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the instructions written in the decedent’s will. Even if there are no assets subject to probate, the original will and a death certificate need to be filed with the probate court in the county where the decedent died.

Which Assets Go Through Probate?

Not all assets require probate. Probate administration only applies to probate assets. Probate assets are the assets that were owned solely by the decedent at the time of death. If the asset had a joint tenant with a survivorship interest or a designated beneficiary, then the asset would not be subject to probate administration.

Some examples of assets that are not subject to probate are:

• A life insurance policy with a spouse designated as beneficiary
• A bank account that pays on death to a child
• Real property owned jointly with right of survivorship
• Property owned in the name of a trust

If your estate planning is by a will, your beneficiaries will be required to go through probate administration. If your estate planning is by a trust, your assets will be titled to the trust. Without ownership of your assets at the time of death, your beneficiaries will avoid probate.

Your Legal Adviser For Trust Administration

Administering a loved one’s trust after their passing requires careful oversight and adherence to legal requirements. As your legal counsel, I can guide you through this complex process.

I can provide the following trust administration services:

• Notifying all beneficiaries and trustees of the trust’s existence
• Collecting and managing all assets under the trust
• Reviewing valid creditor claims
• Preparing and filing tax returns
• Accounting and recordkeeping
• Terminating the trust after the distribution of the assets

I understand that it can be intimidating to grieve for a loved one and administer their trust. I can handle all the technical legal matters and clarify any complicated issues every step of the way.

Face Probate And Trust Administration Issues With My Legal Support

Call The Law Office of Mary Beth Kelly, LLC, in Lake Mary at 407-536-6901 or send an email to discuss probate and trust administration today.