Administration of Trusts and Estates
Once a Will has been admitted to probate, the estate of the deceased person must be administered by the executor to locate all of the assets, pay all of the debts of the estate that are legally due, and finally disburse property to the beneficiaries under the will. Under an Independent Administration, most of the activity will be done by the Independent Executor, with the advice of his/her attorney. Under a Dependent Administration, most actions will be done only with the permission of the Court. In all circumstances, the executor has a fiduciary duty to the estate, the creditors and ultimately to the beneficiaries/heirs.