Probate and Estate Administration

If someone close to you has passed away, the law office of Good, Bucy, Elson & Drescher can help you manage the court procedure known as probate. The purpose of the probate process is to handle all of the various aspects of administering the estate after death. Upon death, the assets of the deceased must be collected, debts paid, and assets distributed. This process can be time consuming and overwhelming. 

The probate process takes several months at a minimum, and includes various legal requirements such as notifying heirs and beneficiaries, finding and inventorying all estate assets, paying estate expenses and reporting all of the financial activity to the court. The court has to authorize any distribution of assets.

If a will exists, the personal representative named in the will is the person who will be in charge of administering the estate. The personal representative typically hires a lawyer to assist them with this process, which requires numerous court filings, and possibly litigation or mediation in the case of a dispute.

Our office will effectively and efficiently guide you and your family through the often complex and confusing probate process.

Learn more about what you can expect in the probate process: “Probate 101” by Robert Good

Trust Administration

If your loved one had a trust in place, or if you were named as a “successor trustee,” you likely need some guidance to assist you in the administration of the trust. The law office of Good, Bucy, Elson & Drescher can help you understand your new responsibilities, and we can help do the necessary legal legwork for you during what may be a difficult time in your life.