Experienced Counsel In The Complex Process Of Estate Administration

After the death of a loved one, the estate administration process that follows can seem daunting and stressful, particularly during your period of mourning.

At Hurley Law, our attorneys provide crucial guidance in administering the estate according to the final wishes of the deceased individual. We provide efficient representation throughout the process, whether that includes probate court, trust administration or both.

Guidance Throughout The Probate Or Trust Administration Process

While not all estates must go through probate court, many need to. Among other circumstances where probate is necessary, if the individual died “intestate,” or without a will, Ohio law dictates the distribution of property to heirs in probate court. If an individual chose to transfer property within a trust, however, the trust administration process will guide the distribution of the estate, often making probate unnecessary.

Estate plans can come with many complex considerations. For example, an estate required to go through probate may include property that does not need to. Property owned either jointly or with a transfer-on-death deed typically falls in this category. We can assist in the administration of any estate, from those including a simple will or trust to complex, multimillion-dollar estates.

Assisting Executors With Estate Administration

After someone dies, his or her estate must be properly accounted for and administered. Tasked with this process is the executor, or administrator, of the estate. The will may include a nomination for an executor. In the absence of one previously nominated, the court will appoint an executor.

The executor may have several important tasks, including:

• Gathering and distributing the property and assets as listed in the estate
• Determining if probate is necessary and if so, filing the will with the appropriate probate court
• Contacting beneficiaries named in the estate plan
• Paying outstanding bills or expenses, including funeral expenses, debt and taxes

Our attorneys assist executors in the often-overwhelming tasks they face. Offering experienced guidance, we will ensure that the estate administration process moves as efficiently as possible.

Speak With An Estate Planning Attorney

Estate administration can be an incredibly complicated and sensitive area of the law. Whether you are the executor of an estate or a beneficiary, an estate planning and probate lawyer can ensure that the process is fairly executed. Schedule a free initial phone consultation with our attorneys in Middletown. Call us at 513-318-9893 or reach out to us online.