Estate Administration
Settling an estate is a little like walking down a long corridor with many doors off the main path.
Settling an estate is very methodical, with a series of deadlines that, when taken step by step, are very reasonable.
If someone dies without a will, we petition the Probate Court to appoint an Administrator. Then, with help, that person follows the logical path of the law. If a person dies with a will we petition the Probate Court to appoint the Executor. The Executor then follows the plan of the will. The lawyer can do as little or as much as is necessary to keep the process moving.
I have had estates where all the assets have gone to charity. I had an estate where the three surviving children of the deceased parent absolutely hated each other – my training in mediation and collaborative law came in very handy moving that one along. I’ve done estate tax returns, final income tax returns for the deceased person, post-mortem estate planning as much as can be to save steps and to save money for the estate, and therefore the heirs. I’ve dealt with estate houses occupied by squatters (with the front door nailed shut and a pit bull tied to the kitchen door). I’ve had trees fall on estate houses. I guess the bottom line is all things are possible and all things can be resolved. I’ve auctioned contents of houses, I’ve helped divide contents peacefully (again the mediation training helped) – I’ve had all the money of the estate pass through my Escrow/Iolta accounts, or I’ve touched none of the assets. It’s all driven by helping the heirs or family settle things gracefully so that no one, to the extent possible, has regrets at the end.
The key is to work methodically and with kindness. Families are very stressed when someone dies. I am here to serve and to help.
Katherine Kiefer
413-528-0265
PS without an estate plan, you will have to probate the deceased persons estate in every state where they died owning real estate – see Estate Planning