Probate
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.