Probate and Trust Administration Attorney in Arlington, Virginia

Probate is the process of handling a person's assets, through the court system, after the person passes away. If a person has set up a trust, trust administration is the process of handling the trust's assets in accordance with the rules of the trust agreement, usually without court supervision. Probate attorney Kyle Epting is here to lead you and your family through the challenging process of probate. Get in touch with Epting Law, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation. Attorney Epting can speak with you in person, over video chat, or over the phone. He serves the areas of Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. 

The Probate Process

When a person does not have a trust and passes away, their assets must pass through the court-supervised probate administration process. If the person has a last will and testament, the desires of the person in the will determine who becomes the executor (also known as the personal representative) to handle the management of the estate and who should inherit the assets of the estate. If there is no will, the laws of the state where the person died determine who has priority to serve as personal representative (also known as the administrator when there is no will) and who will inherit the estate. 

Once appointed, the personal representative has certain duties and obligations. The personal representative must act according to the law and deal fairly with the estate's beneficiaries. The personal representative will be required to perform a number of services including collecting and safekeeping assets; preparing the inventory of estate assets; paying debts and expenses of the deceased; financial planning for the estate with respect to taxes, distribution, and investments; preparing and filing federal and state estate and personal income tax returns, if required; distributing the residue of the estate; and preparing periodic accounts including final accounting of the estate. These duties can be cumbersome and complicated, and legal advice and supervision of an experienced probate attorney can be essential. 

Talk to probate attorney Kyle Epting today in Arlington, Virginia, and allow him to help your family with the complicated probate process. To schedule a free consultation with Kyle, reach out to him at Epting Law, PLLC. He serves the areas of Alexandria, Fairfax, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Trust Administration

When a person has set up a trust, usually the probate process is not required. The trustee must administer the assets of the trust in accordance with the rules of the trust agreement and state law. 

The duties of the trustee include sending notices to the individuals that will receive assets from the trust (called beneficiaries); collecting and safekeeping assets; preparing accountings as requested by the beneficiaries or as required by law; paying debts and expenses; financial planning for the trusts with respect to taxes, distribution, and investments; preparing and filing federal and state tax returns, if required; distributing assets to the beneficiaries; and terminating the trust in accordance with the law. Trust rules are usually more complicated than those in a basic will. 

Because trust agreements and compliance with the law can be complicated, legal advice and supervision of an experienced trust administration attorney can be required. Get in contact with Attorney Kyle Epting today in Arlington, Virginia today. 

Get Guidance in the Probate Process

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. Handling the complicated task of probate can make the experience that much more overwhelming. Probate attorney Kyle Epting is here to help you and your loved ones with this difficult endeavor. Get in contact with Kyle today to schedule a free consultation. He provides representation to families in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.