(An
Alternative Format)
Under state law, there are a number of steps which must be taken into
account when a decedent's estate is settled. This is true whether or not
a person died with a Will.
These tasks must be performed by the Executor or Personal Representative
of the loved one's estate. Such steps come into focus regardless of the
size of the estate.
In short, these steps are as follows:
- determine what the decedent owned.
- determine what the decedent owed.
- pay any just debts.
- pay any death taxes or income taxes
which may be owed.
- distribute the estate pursuant to
the Will or the laws of intestate succession.
Being a former high school teacher and
football coach, I have developed an outline which can guide you through
each step. This format will substantially reduce the costs of
administering your loved one's estate.
If there are no contested issues, many estates can be settled without
retaining an attorney who may charge either:
- a percentage of the gross estate
- an hourly fee
In such situations, our office acts as
a "coaching staff" or mentor to guide you through the outline. If
unforseen complications develop, you can retain us, on an hourly basis,
to address just that issue.
Our fee, for such a service, is $l,400. If the decedent died without a
Will, the fee will be higher.
At our meeting, we discuss this procedure further and determine if it
will work well for your situation.
Sincerely,
James C. De Martino
Cathy G. De Martino
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