Estate Settlement

Many individuals name us as a Personal Representative (formerly called Executor) in their will.  It is always beneficial to discuss this with us prior to finalizing the will with the attorney.  It is also very helpful for us to review a draft of the document before it is signed.  Oftentimes, a testamentary trust is included in the will; and, at the attorney's request, we will provide our standard phrases and clauses that are helpful for trust administration.  Our duties as a personal representative include:

• Work with the estate attorney to admit the will to probate,
• Notify heirs and creditors and pay all legitimate creditors claims, file claims and receipts with the court,
• Collect all assets and income, prepare an inventory, and furnish the attorney with a copy to be filed with the court,
• Safeguard all personal property and real estate,
• Distribute all personal property or hold an estate sale in accordance with the decedent's written directions,
• Properly handle the decedent's business or complete pending lawsuits,
• Determine the value of all assets; and, if appropriate, complete state and federal tax returns,
• Complete the final personal income tax return and the estate income tax return,
• Sell property if necessary to pay estate taxes and costs,
• Distribute all estate assets pursuant to the will,
• Complete detailed income and expense accountings for the heirs, and
• File a Declaration of Completion of Probate to the court
  

"When my cousin in Spokane passed away, I needed a responsible Personal Representative to handle the probate of her estate. Steve Trefts and his staff came highly recommended from several attorneys, and they did a fine job. They sent me many boxes of personal items and then held an estate sale. They supervised the deferred maintenance and sale of the house. They took a difficult situation and made it much easier by answering my questions in a prompt and courteous manner. I received a clear picture of my cousin's estate and am quite happy with the work they did for me."

- Edward Reed,                  Fort Collins, Colorado