Asset Protection Attorney

An estate administrator plays an important role in settling probate estates. This person must act as fiduciary for the estate while adhering to directives of the last will and testament and state probate laws.
It is imperative to select an estate administrator who is trustworthy and will make sound decisions for your family. People often appoint relatives to manage their estate, but this is not always the best choice. Unfortunately, family feuds often breakout while loved ones are in the midst of grief.

When relatives fight over family heirlooms, personal property, and valuable assets they prolong the probate process and often incur legal fees which become the responsibility of the estate. When heirs contest the Will, probate can be suspended for months while lawyers negotiate.

Asset Protection lawyers

When drafting the last Will, it is smart to select a person who is capable of remaining calm under pressure. Even if family members are in agreement over distribution of inheritance property, estate administrators often end up in the hot seat. Even when the asset protection trust attorney is in Wyoming.

Relatives may feel that administrators are mismanaging funds or not settling the estate fast enough. The person selected to this position should be organized and capable of providing answers to heirs that question estate settlement procedures.

It can be helpful for estate executors to retain the services of a probate attorney. If heirs contest the Will, Administrators will need to hire a probate litigator. Otherwise, a transactional lawyer should suffice.

Lawyers are almost always required to assist with settling intestate estates. This refers to estates where decedents did not execute a last Will prior to death. Inheritance property must be distributed according to state probate law. In most cases, property transfers to the surviving spouse and direct lineage heirs.

Duties for estate administrators vary based on owned assets, amount of outstanding debts, and type of estate planning strategies implemented prior to death. At minimum, Administrators are required to file the last Will and death certificate through probate court; notify creditors and pay outstanding debts; contact government agencies such as Social Security and Medicare; secure inheritance property; and oversee distribution of inheritance gifts. Find out more here: http://www.themckenziefirm.com/trust-based-asset-protection-strategies/

Estate Planning Attorney Plays Important Role as Probate Trustee

Estate administrators are responsible for filing legal documents for the release of probate money held in bank accounts or financial portfolios. Most states require Administrators to provide date-of-death value forms to the county tax assessor to determine if decedents owe taxes. If so, the estate must remit payment in full before inheritance money can be released.

Estate Planning

When decedents own titled property such as real estate and automobiles, estate administrators must transfer property rights according to state law. If titled property is used as collateral to secure bank financing, the estate is responsible for maintaining loan installments. If the estate does not have adequate funds, the Administrator is responsible for selling the asset to pay off the loan.

These are only a few duties required for settling probate estates. Every estate is unique and will have different settlement requirements. Therefore, it is always best to obtain legal counsel before commencing with estate settlement duties.

It can be beneficial to appoint two probate personal representatives within the last Will. If the primary representative is unable to assume duties, the second representative can take charge. It is wise to discuss the decision with the persons you are considering to ensure they are willing to accept the role of estate administrator.