When a loved one passes away with assets that are above a statutory threshold and not in a trust or otherwise designated to a beneficiary, the estate must often go through probate. Probate is a strict, court-supervised legal process that can be slow, public, and paperwork-intensive.
As Probate Administrator, our job is to step in as the court-appointed officer to manage this process from start to finish. We act as the interface between the Judge, the creditors, and you (the heirs), so you don’t have to navigate the legal maze alone. We work hand-in-hand with an estate attorney to ensure every petition, inventory, and report is filed correctly and on time.
We Hunt for and Secure Assets
One of the hardest parts of probate administration is simply finding everything. We act as financial detectives, ensuring that all bank accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets are discovered and accounted for. We secure the physical property immediately, changing locks, insuring the house, and safeguarding vehicles, so that nothing “walks away” or loses value while the court process is pending.
We Deal with the “Stuff” (Personal Property)
Dealing with a lifetime of accumulation in a family home is emotionally exhausting for heirs. We work with reputable estate sale companies to sell valuable items, coordinate donations for charity, and handle the clean-out of the property. We treat your loved one’s possessions with dignity and respect, while getting the property ready for sale.
We Handle the Creditors and Debts
When someone dies, creditors (credit card companies, medical providers) often come calling. We review every claim to make sure it is legitimate, and if a claim is invalid or too late, we reject it. We ensure that your inheritance isn’t unfairly reduced by questionable debts.
We Manage the Real Estate Sale
If the house needs to be sold, doing so in probate requires specific procedures, sometimes involving court confirmation. We work with real estate agents who specialize in probate sales to ensure that we get the highest market price. We handle the disclosures and court requirements so that the sale doesn’t fall through due to a technicality.
We Keep the Peace
In probate, all documents are public record, which can sometimes lead to tension among heirs regarding who gets what. As a court-appointed officer, we are neutral and don’t take sides, answering only to the judge. This reassures all heirs that the estate is being handled fairly, transparently, and strictly according to the law. We push the process forward relentlessly so the estate can be closed, and that the remaining assets can be distributed to the correct legal heirs without delay.