Estate Services:

Probate is the process that concludes all of the legal and financial matters of the deceased. The executor of the estate is responsible for the following:

• Collect, inventory and provide safekeeping for the estate’s assets.
• Notify creditors and pay all valid debts.
• Collect any sums owed the estate.
• File claims for pension and profit-sharing plan benefits, Social Security benefits, and veterans’ benefits.
• Manage the estate’s assets.
• Sell assets, as directed by Will or required by state law, to pay estate expenses or legacies.
• Keep detailed records of all estate transactions and submit records to beneficiaries and/or the probate court.
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
• File the decedent’s final federal income-tax return.
• Choose a tax year for the estate.
• File the estate’s income-tax returns.

Guardianship Services:

A guardian is responsible for minor children or disabled individual and acts under the supervision and direction of the Probate Court. It is the guardian’s responsibility to:

• Assist in establishing the guardianship.
• Prepare an inventory of all assets belonging to the disabled adult or minor and file the inventory with the Probate Court.
• Evaluate the investment needs of the disabled adult or minor and invest the assets on an interim basis pending establishment of a formal investment program.
• Meet with the family, attorney, accountant, and others as appropriate to construct a budget for living expenses for the disabled adult or minor.
• Prepare a detailed investment program and submit to Probate Court for approval.
• Implement investment program.
• Prepare accountings as required by the Court.
• Arrange regular remittances for the care and maintenance of the disabled adult or minor.
• Review investment program and make adjustments as required.
• Assist in estate and tax planning.
• Prepare and file annual Federal and State individual income tax returns.