INHERITANCE & ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

Estate administration is often not the first thing the bereaved think of when there is a death in the family. Naturally, grief is the most overwhelming feeling, and many emotions can be involved. Therefore, the practical tasks that follow a death in the family often require assistance.

When a death occurs, the first person to contact is the funeral director. The funeral director will notify the parish priest, who will then inform the probate court about the death.

We assist with all tasks related to the administration of an estate. Our tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Handling the estate, including terminating payment agreements and subscriptions
• Placing a notice to creditors (proclamation)
• Preparing the opening inventory
• Ensuring the estate’s assets are appraised
• Distribution of any debt – the estate’s creditors must be paid before any inheritance can be distributed
• Advising on the distribution of the inheritance, including interpreting the will
• Sale of real estate or transfer to heirs
• Distribution of inheritance to heirs
• Advising on the estate’s tax matters and estate duty
• Preparing the estate inventory
• Submitting the necessary documents to the appropriate authorities within deadlines
• Settlement