Indiana Trust & Estate Administration Lawyer

Assisting Clients With Trust & Estate Administration Matters 

Rice & Rice attorneys and staff bring nearly 100 years of experience to you at a time when you need it most. When you are facing an administration after the death of a spouse, loved-one, or friend, you want guidance through the logistics during what is an emotional time for many people. 

Call Rice & Rice today at (219) 240-0450 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our trust & estate administration attorney in Indiana.

Understanding Estate Administration Steps and Options

Every type of administration has specific steps, timing issues, and nuances. Rice & Rice Attorneys brings experience to help you understand what options are available and how to navigate the administration process. 

The specific administration you need will depend on what was done prior to the person’s passing as well as types, values, and ownership of assets. From Step 1 to closing of an estate, Rice & Rice Attorneys will find the appropriate, necessary, and most efficient, cost-effective way to handle the administration. 

Alternatives to Probate

Whether the decedent had a will, trust, died intestate, or can avoid probate through a small estate claim, you can find the support you need to help you to work through the process. For example, just because a person has a will, it may not be necessary to probate an estate. That determination can save thousands of dollars, time, and personal representative effort. 

How Our Trust & Estate Administration Attorney Can Help You

We can assist you by:

• Asset Inventory and Valuation: A crucial part of estate administration is creating a comprehensive inventory of the decedent's assets and determining their value. We work diligently to identify, appraise, and document all assets, including real estate, personal property, investments, and business interests. Accurate valuation is essential for fair distribution and tax purposes.
• Debt and Tax Management: Handling the decedent's debts and taxes is a critical component of estate administration. We ensure that all outstanding debts are identified and paid from the estate, preventing potential legal issues for the beneficiaries. We also manage the preparation and filing of necessary tax returns, including estate and income taxes, to minimize tax liabilities.
• Beneficiary Communication and Distribution: Effective communication with beneficiaries is vital to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. We keep beneficiaries informed throughout the administration process, addressing their concerns and providing clarity on the distribution of assets. We oversee the equitable distribution of assets, ensuring that each beneficiary receives their rightful share according to the will or trust.
• Dispute Resolution: Disputes among beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and trustees can arise during trust and estate administration. We are skilled in mediation and negotiation, helping to resolve conflicts amicably. If necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court to protect your interests and ensure a fair outcome.
• Legal Compliance: Trust and estate administration involves adhering to a multitude of legal requirements. We ensure full compliance with Indiana state laws and federal regulations, safeguarding against potential legal challenges. We stay up-to-date with any changes in the law to provide accurate and current advice.

Contact Our Trust & Estate Administration Attorney in Indiana Today

The first step in any administration is to take time, be deliberate, and do not over-react/over-commit. Our initial consultation for any administration is complimentary. So, put our experience to work for you right from the start. 

Call our Indiana trust & estate administration lawyer at (219) 240-0450 to set up a meeting at any of our offices, including Valparaiso, Lafayette, and Granger. We look forward to the opportunity to help you through this process.