When a person passes on, there is often much that must be done to settle their affairs and carry out their final wishes. A Will may need to be probated, assets transferred, bills paid, and so much more. We know that the time following a person’s death can be emotional for family members and friends. We know the named Executor or Trustee may be undertaking an unfamiliar duty. We also understand that, sometimes, issues may arise. The experienced attorneys and support staff of our estate administration team are ready to assist.

For generations, this firm has been fortunate to represent individual and corporate executors, administrators, and trustees, as well as trust and estate beneficiaries. The volume of estates and trusts under active administration by this department is generally one of the largest in the Capitol District. Chaired by nationally recognized attorney Michael R. Suprunowicz, Esq., the Estate and Trust Administration department strives to bring the right balance of compassion, professionalism and skill to our work so that each administration is handled as smoothly and expeditiously as possible.

Over many years of practice, we have developed a full service approach to this area. We will advise the fiduciary client and represent their interests at each stage of administration, from probate or administration proceedings, to account proceedings, and other interim proceedings. We guide the fiduciary in the identification and successful transfer of assets to beneficiaries, and in the proper discharge of debts. We are capable of preparing the documents necessary to close the estate and discharge the fiduciary, either informally through a written agreement with the beneficiaries, or formally with the production and judicial settlement of a final accounting.

Unlike many law firms that offer estate and trust administration services, HRB&C is also fully capable of preparing the estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, gift tax returns, and income tax returns of the decedents and estates we work on. We believe that through our intimate understanding of the legal and tax aspects of administration, and our close direction of them through the course of representation, we provide a unique and comprehensive service to the fiduciaries we represent.

Whether the estate is straightforward or complex, large or modest in value, a few assets or dozens, every administration is a journey of many steps. The estate and trust administration team at HRB&C can help the fiduciary take those steps with confidence.