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Expert Legal Counsel for Executors and Trustees

As an executor (or personal representative) of a Will or as a trustee, you face significant legal responsibilities and personal risk. Webb & Morton offers expert guidance to help you navigate the estate and trust administration processes efficiently, responsibly, and legally.

Common Questions in Estate and Trust Administration

• Do I really have to open an estate?
• Can I just close the trust and distribute the trust monies to beneficiaries?
• Can’t I just distribute the assets and skip the probate process?
• What are Letters of Testamentary and why does everyone want them?
• Do I really have to complete all this paperwork?
• How long will the probate process last?
• What if there is no Will? Doesn’t everything just go to the spouse?
• Do I have to pay for a bond?
• What if the decedent owned real estate in multiple states?
• How do I handle real estate or business interests inside the estate or the trust?
• What if beneficiaries disagree and will not talk to each other?
• What if I can’t find one of the beneficiaries?
• What if one of the beneficiaries is a minor?
• Do estates and trusts file their own tax returns?
• Who is taxed on what and what do I do about the taxes?

Key Responsibilities of Executors and Trustees

• Qualification before the Court
• Potential bond payments
• Asset collection and management of estate and trust assets
• Possible sale or auction of estate and trust assets
• Estate and trust bank account responsibilities and management
• Creditor notification and payment of any valid claims
• Resolve any federal or state tax debts or other tax issues
• Court-required deadlines for inventories and accountings
• Payment of spousal and dependent allowances
• Real estate retitling, and investment and retirement accounts
• Tax return filings for the estate and trust, and how to advise beneficiaries
• Asset distributions to beneficiaries
• Handle requests for discretionary distributions
• Defend the Will or Trust against anyone who contests it

Now, our experienced team will simplify this process for you.

How Webb & Morton Can Help

• We offer comprehensive legal and administrative support services in all aspects of estate administration, trusteeships, Will caveats, and estates litigation.
• We are lead counsel for the estate and/or the Trust and we will defend them zealously if necessary.
• We timely prepare and file for you tax returns and all of the necessary documentation and required inventories and accountings.
• We educate you on your new fiduciary role and guide you from start to finish.
• We are the lead communicator with all beneficiaries, other professionals, financial institutions, creditors and opposing counsel, the Clerk of Court, and more.
• We even grant you access to different types of personalized videos – created by the firm – to help you better understand the processes at different stages.

Why Choose Webb & Morton for Estate and Trust Administration

• Free initial consultation to discuss your estate and/or trust administration concerns and needs
• Extensive experience in estates and trust law
• Attorney Austin Chestnut is a Board-Certified Trust & Financial Advisor^®
• Managing Partner Alex Webb holds the prestigious SuperLawyer^® designation
• Veteran Owned business – Partner Jason Morton is a retired Army JAG
• Paralegals with over 30 years of experience in estate and trust administration
• Provide clear, step-by-step guidance through the administration process
• Offer fair and reasonable cost structure (no flat percentage-based fees)
• Personalized service tailored to your unique situation
• Expertise in handling complex estates and trusts with significant assets
• Exclusive educational videos for clients
• Commitment to protecting you from personal and even criminal liability

As a fiduciary for an estate or as a trustee or both, proper guidance is crucial to avoid personal or even criminal liability. You don’t have to navigate the complexities of estate and trust administration alone. Contact our experienced team today for a free consultation and expert advice.