Estate and Trust Administration

Ongoing changes in estate and gift tax laws mean that wills and trust agreements need review and updates to ensure they accomplish the tax planning and distribution goals of our clients.

Overview

Administration of an estate or trust can be a daunting task. Working in tandem with our clients and trust and probate administrators, we provide the guidance and assurance needed to allow trustees and personal representatives to perform their duties with confidence. 

Our Services

  • Trust administration after death
  • Handling probate proceedings
  • Preparation of estate and inheritance tax returns
  • Estate and gift tax audits
  • Advising on fiduciary income tax matters
  • Advising trustees of multi-generational trusts
  • Distribution of estate assets
  • Modification of irrevocable trusts
  • Advising beneficiaries
  • Litigation involving wills and trusts

Estate Administration and Probate

The administration of a probate estate or an irrevocable trust can be complex.  We help our clients navigate this process with minimal stress. We handle all aspects of settling estates from preparing and filing pleadings and documents for probate court to marshalling and inventorying estate assets, settling claims, advising on distributions, and preparing estate tax returns and other tax documents. We have experience handling complex, illiquid and regulated assets. We guide our clients through what can be a challenging and emotional process. Our lawyers have decades of experience with helping families through transitions after death. 

Irrevocable Trust Administration and Modification

We routinely advise clients on the function of irrevocable trusts and on the duties of trustees, and assist with trustee compliance under the complex notice and reporting duties under state law.  Our attorneys also help beneficiaries understand their rights under various trust agreements. We look for creative solutions to unravel complicated problems in a way that maximizes tax benefits while preserving family relationships.  For both trustees and beneficiaries, it is often beneficial to reevaluate trusts that have long been in existence to review changes that may facilitate easier administration or produce a more beneficial tax result.  We have experience in handling modifications, settlement agreements, changes of trusteeship and many other issues related to the administration of irrevocable trusts. 

Fiduciary Litigation

Sometimes even the best laid plans may go askew due to unforeseen circumstances.  When disputes arise in trust and estate matters, our attorneys have deep experience advising trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries regarding their rights and responsibilities in the administration of trusts and estates and can provide guidance in reaching a settlement or in the litigation of contested matters. We also provide assistance to fiduciaries in audits and valuation disputes arising in the administration of taxable estates.

Matters

Our experience includes:

  • Representing personal representatives and trustees in settling estates, including the preparation and filing of pleadings and documents in probate court, marshaling estate assets, and preparation of inventory of estate assets.
  • Preparing estate and inheritance tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and participate in audits of such returns.
  • Reviewing of accountings, interpretation of wills, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries, including planning for income and GST tax consequences.
  • Selling or transferring complex assets, such as family and closely held businesses, commercial and residential real estate, farm and timber property, valuable art or wine collections, and intellectual property of authors, artists and musicians.
  • Working with family offices on ongoing matters including sophisticated tax  and entity planning and wealth transfer strategies.
  • Implementing a family business succession plan as the business moves through generations.
Team
Insights & Presentations
×
Saved Pages

Use the arrows to arrange content.  Download pages as a .pdf file or share links via email..

{{ item.Title }} {{ item.AttorneyPosition }}, {{ item.AttorneyLocation }} , C. {{ item.AttorneyCell }} , P. {{ item.AttorneyPhone }} , F. {{ item.AttorneyFax }} {{ item.TypeText }} Remove
You have no pages saved
            {{ state | json }}