Probate and estate administration include exacting tasks that enable assets of an estate to be gathered, protected, and distributed to the appropriate people or institutions.  Barry is available to help you through the process, providing the advice and help you require.

Estate administration refers to the process of probating the estate of a decedent, which generally includes collecting, inventorying and appraising assets; paying and collection debts; filing and paying estate taxes; and distributing any remaining assets to beneficiaries.  I can help simplify this complicated process.  If you need help in the administration of an estate, contact Barry today to schedule a consultation.

Probate is the court process used to determine the validity of a will and oversee the payment of creditors and distribution of estate assets.  Even if there is no valid will at the time of death, the estate will still go through the probate procedure.  Since probate is regulated by state laws, there are specific procedures prescribed by each state for caring out the process.

An executor is the person named by the creator of the will (the testator) to carry out the terms and provisions of the will.  In addition to locating important documents and notifying Social Security, pension providers, annuity providers and other entities of the death, the executor has numerous other legal responsibilities.

Assets disposed of outside the probate process are part of the non-probate estate.  Because a probate proceeding is not required, these assets are distributed more quickly to the appropriate beneficiaries.  Many people seek out these assets and ownership models to save their loved ones from the difficulties associated with going through probate.

The fact that a person leaves a will does not guarantee that her or his property will be distributed according to the will's terms.  A court generally must provide an opportunity to allow others to object to the will, and a legal challenge, called a will contest, may be brought by anyone with an interest in the will who believes it is invalid.

Barry works with you to ensure the probate process runs smoothly.  He will review the estate involved and will advise you as to the most efficient and economic manner to transfer property to those entitled.  If you are named as the executor in a will, he will guide you through each step required.

There are situations, however, when someone dies without a will.  If you are a close relative or friend in a situation where there is no will, Barry will advise you regarding all options for administering and distributing the estate.

Barry will provide you with the level of probate and estate administration help you need.

• When there is a will, he will assist in having it recognized by the court as the last will and testament of the decedent.
• He will guide you through the steps involved in probate.
• He will help the personal representative of the estate with the probate and estate administration process, including, preparing an inventory of the estate, dealing with creditor issues, filing final income tax returns, establishing the beneficiaries, distributing the estate, and preparing an estate tax return, as necessary.
• When there is no will, he will explain the alternatives available for gathering the assets and distributing the estate.

Have you been named an executor of a loved one's will?  If so, Barry can help guide you through the probate process in a timely and efficient manner.  Call today for a free consultation.