You may have recently lost a loved one and realized after they passed that you have been named as the executor of their will. That’s a big job and one that many people feel overwhelmed by. Or, perhaps your loved one died intestate or without a will. In these cases, the county probate judge appoints an estate administrator. If that’s you, then you’re probably wondering where to start. Start with a phone call to LifePlan Legal AZ. Our Mesa, AZ estate administration lawyer can help you understand your fiduciary duties and guide you through the process.
Estate Administration Lawyer Mesa, AZ
Estate administration involves processing the estate of someone who recently passed away. It begins with entering their will into probate or, in the absence of a will, petitioning the probate judge to appoint an estate administrator. Then, the estate is inventoried, all assets valued, and any valid debts are settled. This can take some time, especially for large or complex estates or those with hard-to-vale assets. Many people don’t have the time or resources to complete the estate administration process for these complicated estates. Fortunately, there’s a solution: The advice and guidance of our Mesa estate administration lawyer.
Our firm has extensive resources to help you locate and properly value all the assets of the estate, vet any debts presented to be paid by the estate, and divide the balance among the deceased’s heirs. We also help you with all the paperwork, accounting for the estate, and reporting that an estate administrator must complete.
Do you have a query or concern with the actions of the estate administrator of a recently passed family member? Our attorneys can also assist you here. Maybe you suspect that they’re skimming off the estate or otherwise not acting in the estate’s fiduciary interests. We can petition the court to take action, investigate their actions, and prepare a strong case on your behalf. Because we have extensive experience in estate planning and administration, we can easily identify instances where a will executor isn’t fulfilling their duties. We can then advise you of your legal options, including removing them from the estate and seeking replenishment of any monies misappropriated.
Why Experience Matters For Estate Administration
Estate administrators have a weighty responsibility. There are specific reporting responsibilities and a legal duty to act in the best interest of the estate. Our Mesa estate administration lawyer can guide you through the probate process, reserving as much of the estate as possible and acting in accordance with either your loved one’s will or Arizona inheritance laws. Our experience can take a considerable weight off your shoulders.
- Member in good standing of Wealth Counsel
- Personalized estate administration services conducted in accordance with Arizona probate laws
- Services provided by a Certified Exit Planning Advisor
- Firm founder Jake Carlson conducts estate advertisement services according to principles of the Values-Based Estate Planning process
Do you have questions about your estate administration duties? Perhaps you have a concern about the actions of an estate administrator for a loved one’s estate. We’re here to help. Call LifePlan Legal AZ today for a consultation.
Types Of Estate Administration Cases We Handle
At LifePlan Legal AZ, we work with families and individuals who are responsible for settling the estate of a loved one. Estate administration involves making sure that property is properly gathered, debts are paid, and assets are distributed according to a will or state law. These cases often come at a difficult time, and we aim to make the process more manageable by providing reliable legal support and clear communication from the start. Our Mesa, AZ estate administration lawyer is here to help!
Formal Probate Proceedings
Some estates must go through formal probate. This typically happens when there is no will, the will is contested, or the estate has complex property or debts. In these cases, the court plays a more direct role in supervising the process. We help personal representatives file required documents, meet deadlines, notify creditors, and complete distributions. We can provide a free initial strategy session to go over your options for probate.
Informal And Uncontested Matters
Not every estate requires court supervision. When there is a valid will and no disputes, informal probate may be available. We assist with preparing and filing the paperwork to open probate and secure the appointment of a personal representative. From there, we guide clients in handling estate assets, paying claims, and completing final distributions.
Small Estate Administration
Arizona allows a simplified process for estates that fall under a certain value. If the estate qualifies as “small” under state law, heirs may be able to collect property without formal probate. We help determine if this applies, prepare the necessary affidavits, and advise on any legal risks involved. This approach is helpful when the estate mainly consists of personal property or small financial accounts. Our team brings years of experience, and we’re proud to have many five star testimonials from satisfied clients.
Dealing With Out-of-State Property
When someone owned real estate or significant property in more than one state, extra legal steps may be needed. We assist with what’s known as ancillary probate—handling assets located outside Arizona while coordinating with the main probate case here. This is often important when an Arizona resident owned vacation property or investment real estate in another state. We work to keep the process efficient and legally sound across jurisdictions.
Estate Disputes And Contested Claims
Disputes sometimes arise among family members, creditors, or other interested parties during administration. These could involve questions about the validity of a will, how a representative is handling the estate, or whether a claim against the estate should be paid. When disagreements become legal matters, we represent clients in court proceedings to resolve the issue fairly. Our Mesa estate administration lawyer can also help with future planning, which can prevent disputes in the first place.
Whether you’re handling a straightforward estate or one with more moving parts, we’re here to help you through the legal process. At LifePlan Legal AZ, we bring experience and steady guidance to each case, always focused on practical outcomes. Call us today to work with our experienced Mesa estate administration lawyer!
5 Mistakes To Avoid In Estate Administration
Estate administration involves many responsibilities, from filing court documents to distributing assets. While every estate is different, there are common mistakes that can create stress and delay for families. By understanding these mistakes, we can make better decisions and manage the process more effectively. Call us today to see how our Mesa, AZ estate administration lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes!
1. Delaying the Process
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too long to begin. When someone passes away, there are immediate tasks such as securing property, notifying institutions, and filing paperwork. If we delay these steps, deadlines may be missed, and assets can lose value. Moving forward in a timely manner helps protect the estate and reduces tension among family members. With legal guidance, we can create a clear plan and avoid the problems that come with unnecessary delays.
2. Mismanaging Estate Assets
Another common mistake is failing to manage estate property correctly. This can include selling assets too quickly, not protecting real estate, or mishandling bank accounts. Each decision has legal and financial consequences. Without proper management, disputes can arise, and the estate may lose significant value. Our Mesa estate administration lawyer always follows best practices to help you avoid estate asset mismanagement.
3. Overlooking Debts and Taxes
Creditors and tax authorities must be paid before assets are distributed. If we overlook these obligations, we may face legal challenges or personal liability. Families sometimes distribute property too soon, only to find out later that debts or taxes remain. Careful record-keeping and timely payments are critical in this stage. Our attorneys bring decades of experience, and we always pay close attention to detail. Taking the time to address debts and taxes first provides a smoother path to distributing the remainder of the estate.
4. Poor Communication With Family
Estate administration often involves multiple family members, each with their own concerns. When communication breaks down, trust erodes, and disputes are more likely to occur. This mistake can delay the process and cause lasting damage to relationships. By keeping open and clear communication, we can reduce misunderstandings and help everyone stay informed.
5. Ignoring Legal Requirements
Estate administration follows strict legal rules. Missing a filing deadline, submitting incomplete documents, or failing to notify all required parties can cause serious setbacks. Courts require accuracy and compliance at every step. When we try to handle these requirements alone, errors can slip through. We’re proud to have numerous positive testimonials, and we’re always available to take your call.
Get The Help You Need Today
Estate administration is a responsibility that affects the financial and emotional well-being of everyone involved. By avoiding mistakes such as delaying the process, mismanaging assets, overlooking debts, neglecting communication, or ignoring legal requirements, we protect both the estate and our relationships. Call us at LifePlan Legal AZ today to work with our Mesa estate administration lawyers!