Losing a loved one is never easy, and handling their estate can quickly become overwhelming. A Naples probate and trust administration lawyer can guide you through the legal process of settling an estate, whether it involves probate court or managing a trust.
With over 100 years of combined experience, Attorney Barry Siegel and the team at The Siegel Law Group, P.A. know firsthand what can happen if you are unprepared for life’s greatest challenges. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Naples Probate and Trust Administration Lawyers?
When you’re facing the responsibility of managing a loved one’s estate, you need a legal team you can trust. Our Naples probate and trust administration attorneys have the knowledge and experience to guide you through every step of the process.
Here is why you should work with us:
- Support every step of the way: We walk you through each stage of the process with clear, practical tools, including seminars, webinars, and a personalized “Owner’s Manual” to help you understand and manage your plan with confidence.
- Ongoing guidance for the long term: Planning doesn’t stop once your trust is in place. As you grow older or your needs change, especially with long-term care planning, we revisit and update your plan to keep it current and effective.
- Care that’s truly personal: You’re more than just a case number. We take time to understand your situation and provide tailored solutions that fit your unique needs and goals.
- Responsive and reliable communication: You’ll never be left waiting for answers. We respond quickly to your calls and emails and make sure your concerns are addressed without delay.
We handle the details, answer your questions, and work hard to make sure everything is done correctly and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with probate court or administering a trust, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
For a free legal consultation with a Estate Planning lawyer serving Naples, call 561-955-8515
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process to manage and distribute a person’s property after they die. It ensures that the deceased person’s assets go to the right people and that any debts or claims from creditors are handled properly.
If the person had a valid will, the assets would be passed on according to their wishes stated in the will. If there is no will (called dying intestate), a request must be made to the court to start the estate process.
The court then names someone to handle the estate, usually called a personal representative or executor. In these cases, Florida law decides who receives the assets, which might not match what the person would have wanted. Throughout probate in Florida, the court reviews and approves the will (if there is one) and other legal paperwork before anything is distributed.
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We Can Help With the Following Probate Matters
Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest moments. It’s also one of the most difficult times to deal with the legal, financial, and tax challenges that come with probate and estate administration. We understand and know how emotional and stressful this can be. We help you honor your loved one’s wishes and settle their estate properly and efficiently.
As your probate and trust administration attorneys in Naples, we will:
- Represent the personal representative and beneficiaries
- Prepare, file, and record required legal documents
- Distribute assets to estate beneficiaries
- Assist with disputes of beneficiaries
- Settle cases where there is no will
- Obtain appraisals
- Work with accountants and financial advisors
- Direct in retitling assets
- Follow all legal deadlines
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Trust Administration
When a loved one dies, and they have a trust, that trust must go through the process of trust administration. With the help of an attorney, trustees must administer the trust in the best interest of the beneficiaries, according to Florida laws and the terms of the trust.
This process is confidential and does not need court approval. However, if a trustee breaches these duties, they could be removed and may even be personally liable.
Trustee’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ordering death certificates
- Notifying beneficiaries
- Locating assets
- Valuing assets
- Obtain an IRS trust tax identification number
- Determining if federal estate taxes are due
- Liquidating assets to pay debts
- Investing prudently
- Assessing liabilities
- Retiring assets
- Distributing assets
- Preparing accounting
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Why Clients Hire Us for Probate
Clients hire us for probate because we make a difficult process easier to manage. We understand that dealing with legal matters after a loved one’s death can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are high.
Lower Your Stress
Why take chances or second-guess every step? At The Siegel Law Group, P.A., we know the process inside and out and can take the burden off your shoulders so that you can move forward with peace of mind.
Your Actions Matter
As the executor of an estate, you have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. If you miss tax deadlines, fail to communicate with heirs, or make mistakes in managing the estate, you could be held personally responsible.
Preventing Family Conflicts
After a loved one passes, family members don’t always agree on what to do with the assets. Disagreements over property or decisions can quickly lead to tension. Having a probate and trust administration lawyer in Naples helps keep things clear and fair, often preventing arguments before they start.
Faster Process, Lower Costs
With less court involvement, the executor has more freedom to manage the estate efficiently. This can help reduce or even avoid paying certain debts owed by the deceased. It also speeds up the sale of property and cuts down on legal fees since court approval for each sale isn’t always required.
Handling Complex Assets
Some estates include property like real estate, valuable artwork, or a business, which can make the process more challenging. These types of assets may require extra steps, such as getting professional appraisals, securing proper insurance, or taking steps to protect their value.
We’ve managed these situations many times and know how to handle them carefully to help ensure heirs receive the full value to which they’re entitled.
Protecting the Executor
Serving as an executor comes with serious responsibilities and legal risks. If debts or taxes are handled incorrectly, the executor could be held personally responsible. We’re here to guide you through each step and help make sure everything is done properly and on time.
Our job is to protect you from mistakes that could lead to financial or legal trouble, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
If You’re Not Familiar With the Legal Process
Probate involves complex laws and paperwork that can be confusing and difficult to follow. Many steps aren’t obvious and must be completed in a specific order. If tasks are done incorrectly or missed, it can lead to serious delays or even personal liability for mistakes.
Call Our Probate and Trust Administration Attorneys in Naples
Have questions or need guidance? Give us a call; we’re happy to listen and learn more about your situation to see how we can assist or set up a consultation. The Siegel Law Group, P.A. is on your side.
Prefer not to call? Just fill out the form on this page. It goes straight to our office, and we typically respond the same day or by the next business day. Everything you share is kept private and confidential.
Call or text 561-955-8515 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form