If your family has experienced the loss of a family member, our law firm can assist you with the legal process that occurs when a loved one passes away. If your loved one had a Will, the family will go through a process called probate. If your loved one had a Trust, the family will go through a process called trust administration.
Anyone who has had a close friend or relative pass away has probably heard of probate, the process by which the estate of the deceased is inventoried and distributed according to state laws. While often maligned as a headache, in reality probate offers a solid legal framework with advantages for those who have properly prepared prior to death and who have retained skilled legal counsel. Court oversight at every step, complete control of creditor claims, and the provision of a legal forum for complaints are important features of probate that are often overlooked. At its heart, probate is a process, and like any process, if one steps back, takes an overview of the procedures involved, breaks the whole into manageable parts, and works with qualified legal assistance, the end can usually be reached quickly, efficiently and economically.
Trust Administration is the process people often find themselves in unexpectedly, after the death of a spouse or parent who created the trust prior to passing on. It comes during a very emotional time, and often brings with it difficult and complex financial and family issues. The task of reviewing the trust and finding and valuing the assets of a recently deceased family member can be daunting, as can be the complexities of estate tax law. What is important to remember for anyone administering a trust is that there is a definite process to follow, and resources to assist you as you assume this new role. After finding a firm emotional foundation, it is time to address the task of administering the trust set up by the deceased.
Our law firm strongly believes that a wisely drafted, carefully executed estate plan is the critical component of a family’s wealth management. Our firm’s guiding principle is to provide families in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas with quality estate planning services tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals. We offer free, no obligation consultations for any family who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
To request a consultation, please call us at (512) 343-2572 or fill out our online request form and one of our legal assistants will call to schedule a convenient time for you.