A Tristate Estate Administration Lawyer from Jenkins Fenstermaker Can Help You Move Forward
When a loved one passes away, the emotional burden is compounded by the stress of the practical and legal matters that must be handled. Upon death, the assets and debts of the individual are transferred to that person’s estate. Whether you are the executor or administrator of an estate, an heir, a loved one of someone who died intestate (without a will), a creditor or debtor of the deceased, or someone else with an interest in the estate, a tristate estate administration lawyer from Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC can counsel and assist you with the related legal matters in WV, KY, and OH.
How to Administer an Estate in WV, KY, and OH
After a person dies, a representative of the estate must perform specific tasks to notify the appropriate authorities of the death, pay any outstanding debts, and distribute the assets of the estate under the law and according to any estate documents, such as a will, which the decedent left behind.
Often, estate administration involves the legal process of probate, during which the court or other authority appointed by state law recognizes a personal representative of the estate and oversees the probate process. Anyone who needs to understand how to administer an estate in WV, KY, and OH can benefit from the specific knowledge and skill of an estate administration attorney like those you will find at Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC.
A West Virginia Estate Administration Attorney for Personal Representatives
The personal representative of an estate can be designated in the decedent’s will or another estate document. In WV, KY, or OH, the person or entity assigned to manage the estate is called an executor. If an executor is not named, the court with jurisdiction will appoint an administrator to manage the estate. While different states sometimes use different terminology, in the tristate area, both an executor and administrator are generally referred to as the personal representative.
A personal representative can be an individual or an entity such as a bank or trust company. In either case, the personal representative recognized or appointed by the court has a fiduciary duty to protect the assets of the estate throughout the estate administration process. This means the personal representative can be held personally liable if claims are brought against the estate or the representative is accused of wrongdoing or mishandling debts and assets of the estate.
Navigating the duties of an executor or administrator of an estate requires specific knowledge and skills. Those tasked with this duty in WV, KY, and OH can protect the estate and themselves by consulting knowledgeable professionals, including a WV estate administration attorney from Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC.
When Heirs and Survivors Need a Tristate Estate Administration Lawyer
The difficulty of losing a loved one is sometimes compounded by family disputes regarding the decedent’s will or property. Heirs or other survivors of the deceased who are involved in these disagreements need an estate administration attorney who is both knowledgeable and compassionate to help resolve issues effectively, efficiently, and with care and respect. In WV, KY, and OH, families can trust the experience of an estate administration lawyer from Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC to provide the highest level of service.
Choose a Tristate Estate Administration Attorney from Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC
In any legal situation, your attorney should work to relieve the burdens of your legal concerns and represent your interests in the best manner possible. Estate matters can be particularly emotional for clients. The counsel and representation of an experienced estate administration lawyer with a deep understanding of how to administer an estate and a true desire to help clients through these difficult times can make a world of difference.
If you need legal assistance with a tristate estate administration matter, reach out to the West Virginia estate administration attorneys of Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC today. You may contact the firm by calling (304) 523-2100 or by completing this online contact form.