Estate Administration

Cody & Cody handles all aspects of Estate Administration and assists in making sure that a decedent’s wishes are carried out by the person or persons they have nominated through their Will and/or Trust.

We represent executors to ensure compliance with their fiduciary duties under the law and to ensure that all steps of Estate Administration are completed in order to carry out the decedent’s wishes.

We have developed a seven-step system for Estate Administration entitled “System of Settlement” (“SOS”) For more information about this system please click here.

Some of the key services we provide include:

• Gathering and valuing of all estate assets;
• Payment of final debts and expenses;
• Distribution of assets to beneficiaries;
• Probate and trust administration;
• Transfer of assets such as life insurance, annuities and retirement plans; and
• Determination of applicable income and estate tax issues and the subsequent preparation of tax returns.

Probate Administration

Probate Administration is the legal process involving the appointment of an executor and allowance of the will by the probate court. Any asset that was owned by the decedent individually is subject to the probate process. The court oversees the administration of probate assets by, among other things, requiring the executor to file an inventory of assets and an accounting of the income, expenses and distributions made during the period of their appointment. Cody & Cody can serve as liaison between you and the probate court to make the administration of your loved one’s estate as smooth as possible.

Trust Administration

Trust Administration is the management of trust assets by the trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries in accordance with the instructions in the trust. This process involves only assets owned by the trust, and includes the preparation of a trust accounting reflecting the receipts, disbursements and distributions made by the trustee. If you have been nominated to serve as a trustee, Cody & Cody can either meet with you to help you understand your legal obligations or manage the administration of the trust on your behalf to ensure compliance with fiduciary standards.

To speak with one of our knowledgeable and experienced trust administrators, please click here. To learn more about our unique System of Settlement Program please click here.