One of the most rewarding parts of my work is distributing money at the end of estate administration. For clients with well-prepared Living Trusts—where all assets were properly titled in the Trust and insurance policies and retirement accounts named the correct beneficiaries—this step is seamless and quick. It’s truly gratifying to see how smoothly an estate closes when everything is done right.
Unfortunately, not everyone has such a smooth process. As a Trustee or Executor, you may discover that your loved one wasn’t as organized as you thought. Over my 41 years of practice, I’ve encountered many estates where unexpected issues arose. A common example is refinancing a house. Mortgage companies often require a property to be taken out of a Trust and put back into the owners’ names during refinancing. If the property is not retitled in the Trust afterward, it can create complications. For instance, if the title still lists the property in the names of “Husband and Wife” instead of their Trust, Probate Court becomes necessary to resolve the issue. While typically fixable, it adds time and expense.
Other common challenges include managing hoarding situations, dealing with an heir living in the property who needs to move, or navigating family disputes. Even the best of families can experience squabbles during this process. Guiding families through the complexities of estate administration—whether it’s straightforward or complicated—requires a lawyer with the expertise to handle both the legal and emotional aspects of closing an estate.
If you need assistance with estate administration, I’m here to help. Give me a call, and let’s navigate this process together.
