Representing Estate Administrators

Nashville Attorneys Representing Estate Administrators

When creating their will, an individual can name an executor to carry out their will as instructed and manage the estate throughout the probate process. If approved by the court, an estate administrator’s duties include settling the financial and legal affairs of the deceased individual. When an administrator is not named in the will, the court may appoint someone to manage the estate.

At MHPS, our Nashville probate attorneys provide legal advice, guidance, and representation to individuals appointed as estate administrators. We can help you navigate the complexities of estate management, mediate inheritance disputes between beneficiaries, and help distribute all estate assets. If you have questions about handling the probate process correctly, we’re here to help.

What is the Role of an Estate Administrator?

As the executor of a will, an estate administrator’s duties can include the following:

Identifying and securing all of the decedent’s assets.
Determining the assets’ value.
Paying any outstanding debts to creditors and settling all tax obligations.
Distributing the estate assets to all beneficiaries named in the will or as directed by the court.
Communicating with beneficiaries and heirs regarding estate administration.
Representing the estate in any required legal proceedings.

When in the role of estate administrator, the executor must meet requirements set out by the court and Tennessee state law. There may be periodic reporting requirements to the beneficiaries, trustees, or the court. Executors may be liable for failing to complete specific tasks or adequately disclose all assets to the beneficiaries promptly. When representing estate administrators, our probate attorneys at MHPS will work to guide you through these types of situations to ensure your duties have been fulfilled.

Estate Administration and Representation

Depending on their familiarity with the law and the estate administration process, executors can benefit from the assistance of legal counsel. Examples of legal services for estate administrators include:

Probate administration. The probate process is complex and time-consuming, and estate administrators often require legal assistance to navigate it successfully. Our probate attorneys can help guide you through the legal requirements of probate, file all required paperwork with the court, and represent the estate in any probate proceedings.
Asset valuation. Correctly valuing assets is challenging and often requires the assistance of an expert appraiser. Our team can help refer to you experts we trust to ensure the valuation you receive are fair and accurate.
Estate planning. Administrators may need to consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed in accordance with their will. Our attorneys can review the will, provide advice on tax implications, and create an estate plan that will satisfactorily meet the needs of all beneficiaries.
Dispute resolution. Inheritance disputes between beneficiaries or creditors can arise when administrating the estate. An attorney can represent the estate in any legal proceedings while helping to resolve disputes between all parties fairly.
Tax planning. Navigating complex tax issues related to an estate can require the assistance of an attorney to help minimize an estate’s tax burden.

Estate administration is a complex and demanding task that often requires the assistance of an experienced legal expert. At MHPS, we can help you navigate the potential challenges of administrating an estate so you can fulfill your duties capably.

Representing Estate Administrators is What We Do

At MHPS, we understand the unique challenges estate administrators face and possess the experience to assist throughout the administration process. Working with our team offers several benefits that include:

Cost and time savings. Estate administration is a time-consuming and potentially expensive process. Hiring an experienced attorney can help you navigate the process more efficiently by avoiding typical delays and ensuring you meet all legal requirements.
Asset protection. Managing and distributing assets is the primary duty of an estate administrator. An attorney can help protect these assets by ensuring they are appropriately divided according to the will, which helps to prevent potential disputes from creditors or beneficiaries.
Estate protection. Beneficiaries have the right to challenge and remove an estate’s executor if they fail to meet specific guidelines or mishandle the estate’s assets. Administrators can be legally liable for damages if beneficiaries prove adequate cause. An experienced attorney can help protect your interests during inheritance disputes by ensuring all estate decisions are well documented, and all requests for information are delivered on time.
Peace of mind. Distributing a decedent’s assets can be an emotionally draining process, especially when dealing with a loved one’s property. An attorney can provide guidance and emotional support so you can navigate the process confidently, knowing you’ve done your best to honor a loved one’s memory.

Nashville Probate Lawyers – Representing Estate Administrators

Our Team of Nashville Probate Lawyers Will Protect Your Interests and the Estate’s. Estate administrator duties are demanding and the process involves specific legal requirements that could expose the executor to risk if not correctly handled. Hiring our team at MHPS will provide you with the legal knowledge you need to successfully fulfill your duties while saving you time and money.

Contact MHPS to Schedule a Consultation