Practice
Trust administration and probate
When someone dies, the person they named has a job to do. We do most of it with you, tell you which parts are yours and keep the family informed at each step.
- 01
Step 1: Gather the papers
The will or trust, death certificates, the last statements and the deed. We list what’s missing and how to get it.
- 02
Step 2: Open the file
For a trust, a notice to beneficiaries. For probate, a petition to the court and letters naming you as personal representative.
- 03
Step 3: Take stock
An inventory of accounts, property and debts, with values on the date of death.
- 04
Step 4: Pay and sell
Final bills, taxes and creditors paid in order. The house sold or transferred, if that’s the plan.
- 05
Step 5: Distribute and close
Each beneficiary gets their share and signs a receipt. We file the closing papers and you’re done.
Probate or not
If the person had a funded trust, most of the work happens out of court: we guide the successor trustee through the same steps with fewer filings.
If they had only a will, or nothing in writing, the estate goes through probate in the county where they lived. A small estate may qualify for a shorter process, and we check that first.
Kwabena Asante leads these files. He works by email and video with family members who live out of state, so most only come to Sarasota once, if at all.
Questions executors and trustees ask
How long does it take?
A simple trust can close in a few months. Probate usually takes longer because of the creditor period and court steps. We give you a timeline at the first meeting.
Is the fee paid from the estate?
Yes, our fees are paid from the estate or trust, not from your own pocket. We tell you the fee basis in writing before we start.
Do I have to accept the job?
No. A named trustee or personal representative can decline. We’ll explain what the role involves so you can decide.
Named in someone’s will?
Call or write, and we’ll tell you what has to happen this month and what can wait.