At Hitchcock Law Firm, we provide clients with comprehensive services relating to probate and estate administration.

Probate

Probate is the court proceeding through which a will is proved to be valid and the estate of a decedent is administered. The process generally includes the inventory and collection of a decedent's assets, liquidating liabilities, paying necessary taxes, and distribution of property to beneficiaries or heirs.

The probate court appoints a personal representative to distribute the probate assets pursuant to a will. Most probates take between six and nine months to complete. In cases where there is a simple estate and a properly drafted and executed will, the probate process can be short and fairly inexpensive.

Trust Administration

Trust administration is the process through which a revocable trust plan is executed. The process begins with the successor trustee signing a Written Acceptance of Appointment and Certificate of Trust. The successor trustee then provides these documents, along with a copy of the decedent’s trust agreement and original death certificate, to the financial institutions holding the decedent’s accounts for distribution to the trust beneficiaries.

Trust administration can begin shortly after death without the need for a probate proceeding or court supervision. The terms and conditions of the trust agreement and information about the trust assets remain private and do not become public record. It is advisable to have an experienced trust lawyer review the trust and trust assets and assist you in the trust administration process.

Contact Us

We welcome you to learn more about our probate, estate administration, and trust administration services by calling (651) 772-3401 or using the online contact form. From our office in Saint Paul, we help clients throughout Minnesota.