Assisting Families Since 1956
Every trust, estate, and probate situation is unique and very personal. At The Law Firm of Foster Krueger, formerly Rusconi, Foster & Thomas, we've been assisting our clients and their families since 1956 with legal services such as:
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Probate & Estate Administration |
Trust Administration |
After the passing of a loved one, there can be confusion or uncertainty about what to do with the loved one’s property and belongings. If there was no estate plan or just a last will, then probate is usually necessary. Probate is the administration of a decedent’s estate through court supervision and oversight. This process ensures that the decedent’s final expenses are paid, and the estate property goes to the beneficiaries in the will, or if there is no will, to the next-of-kin.
Every estate is unique and presents its unique challenges. As someone going through this process on their own, it can quickly become overwhelming to administer the estate, manage beneficiary expectations, and comply with probate and trust laws. An attorney experienced in probate proceedings can provide the support and guidance necessary to complete the process as effectively and efficiently as possible.
At Foster Krueger, our attorneys are well versed in all aspects of probate and estate administration and can provide support and assistance on all issues. Our portfolio includes clients who are administering small, medium and multi-million dollar estates.
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A loved one has just passed away, and now everyone comes to you because you are the designated trustee of the trust. They ask you what your plans are for the property, but you have not even had time to process this loss.
Every trust administration is different. Some trust administrations are simple and can be completed in a relatively short time. In contrast, others may present complex legal or tax issues such as funding sub-trusts or managing large businesses. In addition to tax and legal matters, problems may arise during the administration, like co-trustees not agreeing or a beneficiary who wants to challenge your every action.
At Foster Krueger, our attorneys understand the overwhelming feelings that a trustee has when administering a trust. For that reason, we pride ourselves as the most significant source of support for clients at every stage of administration. We are with you from start to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Estate & Trust Administration
Q: What do I do now that I am the Trustee of a Parent's Trust?
A: As Trustee, you are now in charge of administering the trust and the trust property. Additionally, you now have certain fiduciary responsibilities to administer the trust. Our attorneys are experts on advising clients on how to properly administer a trust while complying with applicable state and federal laws.
Q: How long does it take to administer a Trust?
A: Many factors determine how long it takes to administer a trust. What property is in the trust? Where is that property located? How many beneficiaries are there? What is the family dynamic? These are just some examples of potential obstacles that will determine the length of a trust administration. Our attorneys have experience in advising clients on how best to approach a trust administration based on their unique set of circumstances to save time and money.
Q: How long does it take to complete probate?
A: Probate is the process of administering the estate with court supervision and is a very lengthy and costly process. Simple estate administrations can take up to 1 year from start to finish, and complex estate administrations can take years. This process can take even longer if deadlines are not meet or necessary documents are not filed in a timely manner.
At Foster Krueger, We’re Here to Help
Our attorneys are no strangers when it comes to probate and trust administrations. Whether simple or complex, our team of experienced attorneys is prepared to answer all your questions and counsel you through the probate and trust administration processes.
Our extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of probate and trust administration allow us to provide our clients with the highest level of legal representation. We are well prepared to counsel clients who have questions about marshaling assets, selling property, accounting, debts and creditors' claims, and final distributions, to name a few.
We pride ourselves on using our experiences to advise clients on unique options and solutions to complex issues. Whether terminating or modifying an irrevocable trust or establishing a special needs trust for a beneficiary, we are a one-stop-shop for all our probate and trust administration clients.
For general information about Trust and Estate Administration and California Law, view our articles on the topic and our legal resources. If you have specific questions about your administration needs, please contact us today to discuss your individual concerns.