Estate Administration
Estate Administration
An Orderly Transfer of Assets
Estate administration
consists of an orderly transfer of assets from a deceased person to his or her heirs. Based upon the size of assets involved, this transfer may occur without the need to open an estate with a local court through the use of jointly held and other non-probate assets, the Spousal Allowance, Summary Administration, or an Administration by Affidavit. Otherwise, the administration is accomplished through a complete estate process.
A complete administration includes qualification before the court, the advertisement of a notice to creditors in a local newspaper, the preparation of an inventory, the payment of estate expenses and the claims of creditors, the distribution of the assets to the heirs, either in a manner specified in the deceased person's will or by intestate succession (if no will exists), and the payment of all appropriate taxes.
The various taxes which should be considered include a final income tax return, gift tax return (if necessary), a fiduciary income tax return, and an inheritance tax return. Each of these taxes requires both state and federal returns.
In contrast to the general perception, estates can be administered in a speedy manner, with the estate being terminated as quickly as four months after it is begun.
| Mon-Fri | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sat-Sun | Closed |
