Estates · Jorgen Stenson
Wills, trusts and settling an estate
A will says who is in charge and who receives what. A trust can keep a house and accounts out of a court case. When someone has died, we handle the court filings or the trust paperwork, keep the family informed and carry out the distributions. We write the documents so a reader who isn't a lawyer can follow them.
Wills and revocable living trusts, for one person or a couple
New deeds and account changes, so a trust is actually funded
Opening a probate case, or settling a trust without one
Notices to heirs and creditors, inventories and final accounts
Reviews of an old plan after a marriage, a death or a move
What most plans include
Not everyone needs all four. We'll say which fit, and why.
A will
Says who carries out your wishes, who receives what, and who raises minor children.
A revocable living trust
Holds the house and accounts so they pass without a probate case, and can be changed any time.
Settling a trust or an estate
The notices, the inventory, the bills and the distributions, with updates to everyone who is waiting.
Updating an old plan
A review after a marriage, a death, a move or a change in the law, often with a small amendment.
Questions about wills, trusts and probate
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends on what you own and how it is titled. Many people do well with a will and current beneficiary forms; others save their family a court case with a trust. We'll tell you which, and what each costs.
What does it mean to fund a trust?
Moving things into it: a new deed for the house, and new titles or beneficiaries on accounts. A trust that was never funded doesn't do its job, so we prepare the deed and give you a checklist for the rest.
How long does an estate take?
Often many months, because of notice periods set by law. We give you a timeline at the start and an update whenever something moves.
Tell us where you are in the process
Making a plan or settling an estate, bring what you have. We'll say what happens next.