If you are responsible for handling the final afairs of a family or friend, you may be faced with many confusing issues and complex laws. The will needs to be filed with a court along with a death certificate and a proceeding called a petition for probate must start all with in 30 days of the death. There are a great number of forms to be filled out and sent to different govermental agencies such as the Dept. of Public Welfare. There may be penalties to both you and the estate if you fail to file all of the documents on time.

Our lawyers understand this can be an emotional and confusing time for both you and your family and friends. We can help you through this process with a guiding hand. We advise you on what needs to get done, provide a book keeper if needed and make sure you do not miss any deadlines.

You need to consider Nonlegal Preliminary Matters:

1. Obtain several copies of the death certificate
2. Apply for Social Security benefits or veteran’s benefits of a surviving spouse or minor children
3. Check fire, liability, and casualty insurance
4. File life insurance claims on behalf of the beneficiaries if other than real estate
5. Determine surviving spouse’s income needs and make arrangements
6. Secure valuable or personal real estate

 Then there are Tax Matters:

1. Obtain taxpayer ID for the estate
2. Determine who prepares the decedent’s final tax return
3. File Forms with the IRS (Fiduciary Relationship)
4. Select fiscal year for estate

 And then there are Administrative Matters:

1. Open estate checking and banking accounts and set estate books 
2. Keep separate accounts
3. Collect any life insurance proceeds parable to the estate and obtain forms
4. File and obtain pension payments and annuity benefits
5. Name executor and devisee on any homeowner’s insurance policy for the dwelling.
6. Arrange appraisals of real estate and tangible personal property. 
7. If decedent had a lease, determine rights and liabilities.
8. Notify all banks and other institutions holding decedent’s funds at the time of death and request date of death balances and income information

 We offer competitive pricing for this service as we deem it a time where you need not worry about all of the legal and tax issues that you may face, but rather we would rather you spend the time taking care of your family, let us handle the rest.