Trust, Estate and Probate Administration

Trust, estate and probate administration is more than just navigating legal and tax processes—it’s about managing the complex responsibilities that come with administering an estate or trust while upholding the wishes of the deceased and ensuring fairness for beneficiaries.

This practice area requires precision, experience and compassion. At Schneider Bell, our experienced attorneys support both beneficiaries and fiduciaries—such as executors, administrators, commissioners and trustees—in every phase of estate and trust administration. We handle a range of probate court proceedings, from the management of straightforward estates to complex disputes among beneficiaries. Our goal is to ensure that assets are distributed efficiently and in accordance with the decedent's wishes, providing expertise, clarity and peace of mind during what can be a challenging time.

Focus Areas:

Counseling Fiduciaries and Beneficiaries

Family Offices and Family Trust Companies

Irrevocable Trust Modifications

Private Foundations

Tax Return Preparation

Getting Started with Trust, Estate and Probate Administration

Trust, estate and probate administration is the process by which a decedent’s assets are transferred to beneficiaries after all debts and taxes have been settled. Generally, assets held solely in the decedent’s name go through probate administration, while many assets, such as joint accounts, joint and survivor real estate, life insurance, retirement plans and other assets that are titled with transfer-on-death or payable-on-death designations, are transferred directly to designated beneficiaries.

Beginning the administration process starts with understanding your role, whether you are a fiduciary, beneficiary or a related party. For fiduciaries, such as executors or trustees, this includes gathering essential documents, identifying estate assets, managing debts, filing tax returns and preparing for distribution according to the trust or will. Beneficiaries may need counsel to understand their rights and to ensure proper administration. Our experienced attorneys are skilled in guiding clients through the intricacies of the probate process, trust management and estate administration, ensuring that all legal and financial aspects are handled thoroughly and efficiently.

Comprehensive Counsel for Fiduciaries

For individuals and corporate fiduciaries, our attorneys provide guidance on the full spectrum of estate and trust administration duties, including:

  • Interpreting Wills and Trusts: Clarifying the intentions expressed in wills, trusts, and other testamentary documents.
  • Fiduciary Appointments: Assisting with appointments of fiduciaries and addressing contested appointments when necessary.
  • Asset Identification and Valuation: Helping fiduciaries identify and dispose of valuable collections of art, jewelry, furniture or other collectibles, and assisting with obtaining appraisals and sales when these items are not going to be kept within the family.
  • Managing Payments: Advising on the timing and fulfillment of gifts, debts, and taxes owed by the estate.
  • Property Sales: Assisting with the sale of estate property to facilitate efficient distribution. Sometimes this may be as simple as providing counsel on the sale of the real estate; other times it might involve the disposition of a closely held business or a valuable collection of tangible personal property.
  • Court Reporting Compliance: Ensuring that fiduciaries meet all court reporting and documentation requirements.
  • Notices and Reports: Drafting required communications to heirs-at-law and beneficiaries.
  • Tax Filings: Preparing and filing necessary tax and informational returns with state and federal agencies.
  • Trust Administration: Providing counsel to trustees to ensure compliance with fiduciary duties and proper asset management.
  • Beneficiary Planning: Counseling beneficiaries on future planning related to their interests in an estate or trust.
  • Court Representation: Representing fiduciaries or beneficiaries in probate court for actions such as will or trust constructions or modifications. Explore our Probate, Trust and Fiduciary Litigation services. 
  • Conflict Resolution: Supporting fiduciaries or beneficiaries in resolving contested matters with beneficiaries and other parties. Explore our Probate, Trust and Fiduciary Litigation services. 

Our team’s in-depth knowledge of fiduciary responsibilities allows us to guide executors, administrators, and trustees through the process with confidence, reducing their stress and ensuring compliance with all legal obligations.

Advocacy and Representation for Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries often face uncertainty about their rights and interests in an estate. Our attorneys provide personalized counsel to beneficiaries, helping them understand and protect their inheritance rights. Our services for beneficiaries include:

  • Document Interpretation: Clarifying the terms of wills, trusts, and other testamentary instruments to ensure beneficiaries fully understand their rights.
  • Dispute Representation: Advocating for beneficiaries in disputes over the nature or extent of their interest in an estate, trust, or individual asset.
  • Bequest Counseling: Advising beneficiaries on whether to accept or disclaim a bequest, based on their unique circumstances and goals.
  • Fiduciary Oversight: Assisting beneficiaries in addressing concerns about a fiduciary’s handling of estate or trust assets and obligations.
  • Probate Court Advocacy: Representing beneficiaries in probate court actions, such as petitions to contest, interpret or modify wills or trusts.

Our attorneys are dedicated to helping beneficiaries navigate complex estate matters with confidence, ensuring their interests are respected and their questions answered.

Why Choose Us?

Schneider Bell is known for its long-standing excellence in trust, estate and probate administration. Our team combines over a century of experience with a modern, innovative approach to each matter, ensuring clients receive personalized and reliable service. We are committed to delivering clear, practical solutions and minimizing stress during what can often be a challenging time. With our attorneys’ meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge, clients can feel confident that every step of the administration process will be handled with care and precision.

Let Schneider Bell support you in preserving your loved one's legacy.

At Schneider Bell, our goal is to offer unwavering support and unmatched expertise in trust, estate and probate administration. If you're ready to begin the probate and estate administration process or need trusted guidance, contact us today.

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