Estate administration is a complex legal process that occurs after someone has died. It involves collecting the assets of the estate, paying debts and taxes, administering any charitable donations, distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries or heirs of the deceased, and ultimately closing out the estate and obtaining documents that attest to its completion.
An experienced and knowledgeable estate attorney will be able to help navigate this complicated procedure so that all parties involved can rest assured that they are fulfilling their obligations in accordance with applicable laws.

Overview of Estate Administration
Estate administration is a complex process that involves the management of a deceased person’s estate, including the organization and distribution of their assets. The executor of an estate has many responsibilities, such as locating and collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the remainder to heirs or beneficiaries. Estate administration typically begins with obtaining legal authority over the estate by filing documents that allow access to bank accounts and other investments. As part of the estate administration process, it is important to identify all assets owned by the deceased. This includes any real property such as houses or land, all personal property such as vehicles or jewelry, and any financial accounts such as stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts. It is also important to properly account for income earned and taxes paid during the period between death and when the estate is settled. After locating all assets, debts must be paid from these same assets in a timely manner according to state law. This may include funeral expenses, unpaid medical bills, credit card debt, or loans held by the deceased prior to passing away. Finally, after accounting for all expenses associated with administering an estate, any remaining assets can be distributed according to the terms outlined in a will or trust document if one was established prior to death. All distributions must be made according to state law and recorded properly for tax purposes. In summary, administering an estate requires managing multiple complex aspects of a deceased’s affairs; however, following proper steps may help ensure that everything is handled efficiently to provide closure for family members during this difficult time.- Collecting the Assets of the Estate
- Paying Debts and Taxes
- Administering Charitable Donations
- Distributing Remaining Assets to Beneficiaries/Heirs
- Closing Out the Estate & Obtaining Necessary Documents