Walking you through the estate settlement process
Our goal is to help you carry out the desires of the decedent and to ease your anxiety during this complex and stressful process. We know that settling an estate is a difficult process to face while you are grieving. We are dedicated to helping you carry out this job as quickly and efficiently as possible and will guide you through the inevitable paperwork.
If you live out of state, but need help settling an estate in our jurisdiction, we will help you understand local probate, administration, trust and tax laws and procedures.
You will receive personal service and counseling. We respect the fact that your situation is unique and this may be the first time you are going through the process.
What is estate settlement?
Estate settlement is the process of:
- Distributing the assets of someone who has died (the decedent)
- Probate proceedings (when the decedent had a will)
- Administration proceedings (when the decedent did not have a will)
- Trust termination
- Resolving estate and income tax issues.
Estate Settlement - Beginning the Process
The goal of our first meeting is to determine the facts of the estate settlement case:
- Who died?
- What steps need to be taken immediately?
- Who is in charge?
- Who are the beneficiaries?
- Did the decedent leave a will or trust stating who should benefit from the assets?
- What assets did the decedent own?
- What debts did the decedent owe?
- How were the assets titled and how do they flow?
- Who are the beneficiaries on retirement plans, life insurance, and other assets that pass by beneficiary designation?
- Will there have to be a probate proceeding?
- Will administration be necessary?
- Do estate and/or income taxes have to be paid?
- Is controversy likely? Will anyone contest the will?
- What steps need to be taken to protect the assets?
Making an Appointment
Please call the office to make an appointment with our estate settlement attorneys. It is helpful if you bring basic information with you:
- death certificate
- the will (and/or trust), if there is one (but do not remove the staples!)
- information about assets and liabilities
- information about the family
To get started with an estate settlement, please fill out the following documents:
Requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader [Download the Reader]
Estate Work List [Download PDF]
Estate Settlement Worksheet [Download PDF]
Note: To fill out these forms online, please download and open in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. If applicable, you can also digitally sign the documents, save the PDF and email it back to info@caneboniface.com.