West Palm Beach Probate Administration Attorney

Managing an estate can be a challenging and time-intensive process. We provide comprehensive support to clients throughout the entire journey. Our probate administration services include:

• Validating a deceased person’s will in court
• Identifying and cataloging the deceased’s assets
• Property valuation
• Overseeing and addressing the estate’s debts and taxes
• Distributing assets according to the will’s instructions
• Transferring ownership and titles of assets to the rightful beneficiaries

West Palm Beach Trust Administration Attorney

A trust is a legal entity created by the deceased, typically to hold and manage assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The trust document outlines how these assets should be managed and distributed. Trust administration is similar to estate administration. As a trustee, you are responsible for identifying, assessing, and safeguarding the trust property. You must also manage the assets and make distributions based on the terms outlined in the trust document. Trustees can be held personally liable for any loss of assets due to negligence.

Our attorneys guide the management of trust assets for the benefit of one or more third-party beneficiaries.

Personal Representative Probate Guidance in West Palm Beach

A personal representative, executor, or executrix is responsible for ensuring that the decedent’s affairs are properly concluded according to Florida law. This includes:

• Notifying the necessary parties
• Collecting the decedent’s assets
• Receiving and addressing claims against the estate
• Paying valid claims and contesting others
• Distributing assets in accordance with the will or state law
• Selling estate property if needed to settle debts or facilitate proper distribution

Fiduciary Accounting

Fiduciary accounting involves providing detailed financial updates about a trust to the trustee, principal, and other interested parties, such as the IRS or the courts. Due to the scrutiny these accountings receive, precision and accuracy are paramount.

Fiduciary Tax Compliance

Our attorneys assist fiduciaries in preparing and filing tax returns for estates, trusts, and probate matters, ensuring full compliance with federal and state tax laws.

Investment Research and Due Diligence

At Doane & Doane, our probate attorneys conduct thorough research into the financial and legal aspects of potential investments, offering expert guidance to fiduciaries managing trusts and estates.

Residency and Domicile Issues

• IRS Change of Address: To ensure clients receive their tax refunds and IRS communications, Doane & Doane can file IRS Form 8822 when a client moves.

• Homestead Exemption Issues: Florida’s homestead exemption offers substantial property tax benefits for primary residences. In some cases, government restrictions on property transfers after death can negatively impact an estate plan. Our attorneys are well-versed in these restrictions and help clients navigate them through careful estate planning.

• Declaration of Domicile: To qualify for the Homestead Exemption and other benefits, clients—especially those with residences in multiple states—must establish Florida as their legal domicile and abandon any prior domiciles.

Why Choose Doane & Doane?

Errors or oversights in the probate and trust administration processes can lead to disputes and litigation, potentially involving both beneficiaries and the government. Doane & Doane offers experienced attorneys skilled in both probate and trust administration, ensuring that all matters are handled efficiently and accurately, minimizing potential complications.