If you’ve found yourself the administrator of a loved one’s estate, this article will help to guide you on what you can expect. Estate and Trust administration involves managing the deceased’s estate and belongings. You’ll work with the courts to close the estate through several steps.
If you lost your loved one unexpectedly (and you weren’t aware of your administrator duties), you have time. Your responsibilities won’t begin until the Probate process starts.
What is Estate and Trust Administration?
Estate and Trust administration occurs when someone passes away. There are many steps to close an estate, but the process will include asset inventory and distribution and paying all outstanding debts and taxes. It’s important to note that in Pennsylvania, the Probate process occurs with the Register of Wills Division in the Court of Common Pleas in the deceased’s county. Learn more about starting the Probate process in PA.
Your Responsibilities as an Estate and Trust Administrator
Whether you were named Will’s executor or the courts chose you as the administrator, many of your duties will remain the same. To help make the process easier to understand, we’ve broken down the responsibilities into five categories.
*Important Notice* The below list doesn’t consider your specific circumstance. It’s best to contact a Probate attorney to help guide and assist you with your administrative duties.
#1 Gather All Necessary Documents
Make sure you bring all original copies of the documents below to the courthouse.
- Death certificate (check that it includes the decedent’s Social Security number)
- Life insurance policies
- Living Trusts (if applicable)
- Real estate deeds
- Retirement plan documents
- Will and any known codicils (if applicable)
- Valid ID for yourself
Additionally, bring paperwork that shows all outstanding debts and taxes (add up the total for both).
- Credit card statements
- Federal and state income tax returns
- Loan documents for mortgages, vehicles, etc.
- Unpaid medical bills
#2 Notify All Parties of the Deceased’s Passing
- Banks and credit card companies
- Beneficiaries and creditors – Notify them with an estate notice
- Employers
- Insurance companies
#3 Complete These Tasks Right After Probate Begins
- Acquire an estate tax ID
- Inventory all known assets and file the list with the Register of Wills
- Set up an estate account for paying debts and taxes
- Verify insurance coverage
#4 Pay All Federal and State Taxes
- Death tax returns in other states (if applicable)
- Federal and state income taxes – due April 15, the year following their death
- Federal estate tax
- Pennsylvania inheritance tax
#5 Complete These Tasks Within One Year After Passing
- Distribute all assets to beneficiaries
- Ensure all tax returns are filed and completed
- Notify the Register of Wills the estate administration is complete
- Obtain a receipt and release form from each beneficiary
- Oversee investment of Trust assets
5 Ways a Probate Attorney Can Help You
#1 Helping to calculate and pay taxes
#2 Retitling the assets to beneficiaries’ names
#3 Submitting the 1040 Federal Tax Return and PA 40 Tax Return paperwork
#4 Drafting a Family Settlement Agreement (if a conflict occurs)
#5 Preparing and filing court documents
If you’re unsure you need assistance with your Estate and Trust administration responsibilities, many local Probate attorneys offer a free consultation. A conversation can help determine if you want to move forward with their assistance.
Take the Stress Out of the Probate Process
At Auld Brothers Law Group, when you contact us, we’ll listen to your situation, offer legal advice, and answer your questions. We aim to help our clients resolve their situations with as little stress as possible, especially during legal proceedings.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to understand how we can help you during this time.