Cape Coral Probate & Trust Lawyers

Settling the Estate

It is the most difficult and stressful time in a family’s life when a loved one is lost. Probate should not exacerbate that stress. The attorneys of Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler have settled hundreds of estates, from the simplest of matters to complex estates. We understand the issues impacting the survivors, and work diligently to complete probate matters in the most efficient, caring manner.

There can be many complications that our attorneys can guide you through, including important financial considerations such as life insurance policy and annuity contracts, out-of-state assets, the roles of creditors and rights of a surviving spouse, if any.

Estate Administration

The provisions of a will, or state statutes in the absence of a will, usually determine how an individual’s debts are paid and assets are distributed upon his or her death. Estate administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased’s assets, such as life insurance, annuities, qualified plans, and trust assets and compliance with applicable estate tax requirements.

Probate and Trust Administration

Probate is the legal process by which a person’s will is validated by the Probate Court. The provisions of the will dictate how the individual’s debts are paid and assets are distributed upon death. Estate administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased’s assets, such as life insurance, annuities, qualified plans, and trust assets and compliance with applicable estate tax requirements.

Summary Administration

Expedited proceedings for estates valued at less than $75,000 or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years.

Caveat: Summary Administration is useful only when an administrator is not necessary. The property is distributed directly to the beneficiaries by court order and cannot be sold from the estate.

Probate and Trust Litigation

There are many circumstances in which a beneficiary who has been wrongfully deprived of his or her inheritance can recover what is rightfully theirs. The procedures usually involve attacking the will or trust that deprived the beneficiary in the first place. In addition, gifts made before death can be overturned if they were procured by fraud or undue influence.

Contact Burandt, Adamski & Feichthaler, PL for a consultation with an attorney.