Comprehensive And Caring Estate Administration Services
After a loved one dies, there is still a significant amount of necessary legal work regarding his or her estate. This can be both tedious and complicated, and it is especially difficult to focus on while also trying to grieve the person you have just lost. For this and other reasons, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced attorney who offers comprehensive estate administration services. In Waldorf, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., look no further than Griffin Selby Law PLLC.
I am attorney Karen M. Selby, and I am proud to help families during what is often a very difficult time. Whether your loved one died with a thorough estate plan in place or died without any formal preparations, I am ready to guide you through the process of settling the estate, and I’ll take care of as many details as possible so that you have less to worry about.
What Does Estate Administration Entail?
The term estate administration refers to settling the affairs of an estate according to the will and estate plan (if it exists). It may involve probate, which is the legal process of proving the validity of a will.
In a nutshell, a chosen personal representative (sometimes called an executor) is responsible for:
- Gathering and accounting for all estate assets
- Notifying creditors of the decedent’s death
- Paying final estate bills and filing a final tax return
- Paying estate taxes, if applicable
- Distributing the estate assets according to the will and other documents
The personal representative is often someone that the decedent knew and trusted. But unless this person is already a lawyer, he or she will likely need to work directly with an estate administration attorney like me. I guide clients through all aspects of the process, ensuring that no details are overlooked and that no mistakes are made. If probate is necessary, I can handle most of the proceedings on behalf of the estate so that you don’t have to.
A Note About Estate Planning
Having a well-written and thorough estate plan in place reduces the need for probate and greatly simplifies that estate administration process. In short, it saves your loved ones time, money and frustration. If you’d like more information on how to get started planning your own estate, visit my estate planning page.
Contact Me To Discuss Your Estate Administration Needs
My firm proudly serves clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C. To set up a virtual or in-person consultation at one of the firm’s offices, call 202-844-5753 or click on the “Schedule An Appointment” button at the top of the page.
