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How To Manage a Will and Trust
Understanding Wills and Trusts in Estate Planning
The Role of a Last Will and Testament
“By definition, a Will accounts for a person’s wishes of how their assets and estate should be distributed and handled once they die. It spells out who should get what and who should do what, after the benefactor’s demise.”
A last will and testament is used to point out the beneficiaries and trustees and the legal professionals you want to be involved with your estate when you have passed, explains this recent article “What You Need To Know About Handling a Will and Trust from Your Dearly Departed Loved One” from North Forty News. If there are minor children in the picture, the last will is used to direct who will be their guardians.
Differences Between Wills and Trusts
A trust is different than the last will. A trust is a legal entity where one person places assets in the trust and names a trustee to be in charge of the assets in the trust on behalf of the beneficiaries. The assets are legally protected and must be distributed as per the instructions in the trust document. Trusts are a good way to reduce paperwork, save time and reduce estate taxes.
Navigating the Estate Administration Process
Seeking Professional Assistance
Don’t go it alone. If your loved one had a last will and trust, chances are they were prepared by an estate planning lawyer. The estate planning attorney can help you go through the legal process. The attorney also knows how to prepare for any possible disputes from relatives.
Anticipating and Resolving Potential Complications
It may be more complicated than you expect. There are times when honoring the wishes of the deceased about how their property is distributed becomes difficult. Sometimes, there are issues between the beneficiaries and the last will and trust custodians. If you locate the attorney who was present at the time the last will was signed and the trusts created, she may be able to make the process easier.
Organizing and Protecting the Deceased's Assets
Gathering Essential Documents
Be prepared to get organized. There’s usually a lot of paperwork. First, gather all of the documents—an original last will, the death certificate, life insurance policies, marriage certificates, real estate titles, military discharge papers, divorce papers (if any) and any trust documents. Review the last will and trust with an estate planning attorney to understand what you will need to do.
Securing Valuable Property and Assets
Protect personal property and assets. Homes, boats, vehicles and other large assets will need to be secured to protect them from theft. Once the funeral has taken place, you’ll need to identify all of the property owned by the deceased and make sure they are property insured and valued. If a home is going to be empty, changing the locks is a reasonable precaution. You don’t know who has keys or feels entitled to its contents.
Distributing the Estate According to the Will
Ensuring Fair Distribution of Assets
Distribution of assets. If there is a last will, it must be filed with the probate court and all beneficiaries—everyone mentioned in the last will has to be notified of the decedent’s passing. As the executor, you are responsible for ensuring that every person gets what they have been assigned. You will need to prepare a document that accounts for the distribution of all properties, which the court has to certify before the estate can be closed.
The Importance of Legal Guidance for Executors
The Responsibilities and Liabilities of an Executor
Taking on the responsibility of finalizing a person’s estate is not without challenges. An estate planning attorney can help you through the process, making sure you are managing all the details according to the last will and the state’s laws. There may be personal liability attached to serving as the executor, so you’ll want to make sure to have good guidance on your side.
Consulting with an Estate Planning Attorney
In conclusion, managing a loved one's estate can be a complex and emotionally challenging task. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I, Benjamin Long, understand the intricacies involved in handling wills and trusts, as well as navigating the probate process. To ensure that your loved one's final wishes are fulfilled and their assets are distributed according to their intentions, it is crucial to seek professional legal guidance. Don't face this daunting responsibility alone.
Contact Schlagel Long today to schedule a consultation, and let us provide the expert assistance you need to navigate the estate administration process with confidence and peace of mind.
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Attorney Benjamin Long
Benjamin Long is the founding attorney at Schlagel Long, LLC, an estate planning and probate law firm located in Olathe, Kansas. Ben specializes in guiding families and executors through the management of wills, trusts, and the complex probate process following the loss of a loved one. His expertise includes clearly explaining executor responsibilities, ensuring proper distribution of assets, safeguarding valuable property, and navigating potential disputes or complications among beneficiaries.
Ben’s experience helps executors understand critical differences between wills and trusts, organize essential documents, and fulfill their legal duties while minimizing personal liability. He prioritizes simplifying what can often be an emotionally challenging process, providing compassionate yet practical advice to families as they carry out their loved ones’ final wishes.
Benjamin earned his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law, where he received a Certificate in Advocacy and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, Ben offers trustworthy counsel, clear guidance, and authoritative expertise in estate and probate law.
Outside his legal practice, Ben teaches as an adjunct professor at Washburn Law School and coaches the Kansas State University Mock Trial Team. He resides in Olathe with his wife, Dr. Andra Long, and their two daughters.
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