Law Office Of Guy W. Murray–Nipomo

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting Trust and Estate Administration Clients. What exactly is trust and estate administration? When a person dies, the process by which the estate is disbursed is called an administration. Every estate, whether large or small, whether the decedent left a will or a trust must have an administration. Whether it is a probate estate administration, or a trust administration depends on whether the decedent left a will, died intestate, or whether he or she had revocable trust in place at the time of death.When an individual dies, that person’s estate must be identified, appraised and disbursed pursuant to the terms of any testamentary instrument, or through the probate code’s intestacy provisions. If the deceased person had a trust in place, then a trust administration takes place. A trust is administered through an individual called a trustee. This person is often a family member or a trusted friend. The trustee almost always needs the legal experience and guidance of an attorney, to make certain she correctly follows the trust’s instructions on disbursement, and provides the proper statutory notices.

If the decedent died with a will, then a probate administration takes place. The will is filed with the court, and a formal probate is opened, which the court oversees at various junctures. After all the assets are identified, appraised, the debts paid, then the court will approve the final disbursement to the beneficiaries and all the creditors. The probate process is complex, and the executor will require an attorney’s legal expertise and guidance.

If you need assistance with an estate’s administration upon the death of a loved one or friend, please call us for an initial free consultation.