Estate Administration

Lawyers helping you manage probate and trusts

When you have been named the executor of a will or the trustee of a decedent's trust, you need the help of experienced lawyers to ensure that you fulfill your duties successfully. Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. advises you throughout all phases of estate administration, assisting you with document preparation, estate transactions and litigation.

Probate administration

As an executor, you must oversee the estate as it passes through probate. Your administrative responsibilities include:

Taking inventory of the estate assets Having the assets appraised Paying debts owed by the estate

Collecting debts owed to the estate Filing and paying estate and other taxes Distributing assets to the beneficiaries

Kreis Enderle helps you fulfill your fiduciary duty to all interested parties while looking out for the best interests of the estate. If your management of estate assets causes the estate to lose value, you can be held liable for the loss. Our attorneys provide detailed guidance to help you make effective choices and avoid personal liability. We also represent you in probate conflicts such as will contests.

Trust administration

As a trustee, your fiduciary duties are established by the Michigan Trust Code. These challenging responsibilities include:

• Undivided loyalty and impartiality between beneficiaries
• Care and prudence in your actions
• Segregation of assets held in the fiduciary capacity
• Expeditious administration of the trust for the sole benefit of the beneficiaries
• Keeping the trust beneficiaries reasonably informed via trustee reports and other documents
• Refraining from self-dealing

Trust administration can be a long-term commitment. Assets are often held in trust until an heir reaches a certain age. Special needs trust assets may be held indefinitely, and you will have the responsibility as trustee to release those assets at your discretion. Complex decision-making is necessary, and you are subject to litigation by beneficiaries who are not satisfied that you have fulfilled your duty to them. Our experienced trust attorneys help you carry out your fiduciary duties successfully and minimize your exposure to litigation. If a claim is filed against you, we provide skilled representation.

Get skilled assistance from our estate administration lawyers

You can provide effective administration of a probate or trust estate with the help of experienced attorneys. Contact Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. for reliable guidance. We advise estate administrators in Western Michigan from offices in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Lansing, Michigan.