(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
unforeseen complications develop, you can retain us, on an hourly
basis, to address just that issue.
Our fee, for such a service, is $1,400. 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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PROBATE
IT YOURSELF