Estate and Trust Administration
We guide and assist personal representatives (“executors”) and trustees in the administration of probate or trust estates. In the usual case, this includes the filing of appropriate documents to inventory and then account for the collection of assets, the collection of post-death receipts, the payment of valid claims of creditors, administrative expenses, taxes, and fiduciary fees, followed by the distribution of the probate or trust estate to persons identified in the Will or Trust. In high dollar cases, we prepare estate tax returns, when needed, or when desirable to preserve and carry over unused estate tax exemptions to surviving spouses.
Estate and Trust Litigation
Frequently, the transfer of wealth from a decedent to his or her intended beneficiaries can result in conflict. Disgruntled heirs may challenge a will or trust; income or death tax issues may arise with the IRS or the Comptroller of Maryland; creditors may file disputed claims; or competency issues may arise. We provide litigation services to either defend or attack a Will or Trust.
Case Evaluation
Occasionally we are asked to assess the viability of a case, and discuss with the client the propriety of moving forward after taking into account the emotional and financial costs of doing so.
Mediation Services
Through our certified mediator, we offer mediation services in the Estates and Trusts arena, as well as other areas of the law.