Matlin Law Group, P.C.

Estate Planning Attorneys

Special Needs Trusts

Post-Death Trust Administration refers to the process of administrating the trust estate of a decedent, which generally includes collecting, inventorying and appraising assets; paying and collecting debts; filing and paying estate taxes; and distributing any remaining assets to beneficiaries. Many times when a loved one passes, there can be complex requirements in the handling of the estate. During this difficult time, family members and trustees can become overwhelmed. Our goal is to handle these situations with compassion and sensitivity.

How We Handle Post-Death Trust Administration
We handle Post-Death Trust Administration much the same way as the legal process known as probate. However, it is unlike probate in that it can be handled privately and often – at least in terms of asset distribution – in a shorter amount of time.

Our lawyers advise trustees. We present trustees a roadmap of the trust to which they obligate themselves so as to properly fulfill its terms. Then we continue to be a resource for the trustees to ensure that the job is being done right.

The job of a trustee is to carry out the terms of the trust faithfully – something that may sound much easier than it actually is. It may simply involve re-titling assets from one trust to another, filling out paperwork with financial companies.

In some cases post-death administration might involve continuing to run a decedent grantor’s business. In other situations it might involve providing for the care of children. Generally, it means keeping assets invested properly and making distributions to beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the trust.

Estate administration also deals with the ongoing needs of the trust such as filing annual tax returns for the trust, protecting the assets of the trust, supervising trust investments, and generally administering the trust so that the rights of multiple current and or future beneficiaries are met.

If you live in the Chicago or Lake County area, including Northbrook, Skokie, Highland Park, and Winnetka, and need an experienced probate or trust administration attorney, please contact Matlin Law Group, P.C..

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us:

  • Donna M.

    Thank you very much Johannah and Lee. I can't tell you how much you helped make a difficult situation a bit more bearable. Prior to hiring you, I was at my wit's end. Having you in my corner was a total game changer. Thank you very, very much.

  • S. B.

    Dear Eric, I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done for me and the thoroughness with which you did it. You are indeed a most impressive will-maker, including the the serendipitous coverage your "compulsivity" supplies. You truly lift the experience from the quotidian to an art-form. In addition, you are a real mensch, in its best sense: open, warm, caring, understanding and honest. Again, my thanks to you and your staff for your help. With best wishes, S.B

  • Gina M.

    Eric and Julie: On behalf of the Edgebrook Women's Club would like to thank you and express our gratitude for your wonderfully informative presentation to our group. As was evident from the many questions your information was needed, very well received and your situational examples registered with many in the audience. Thank you again for providing a much needed and informative presentation.

  • Susan H.

    "Eric, Thanks again for helping me get this signed and completed. It's a big comfort knowing that my will and estate is in order. Thank you again for your generosity and friendship. I really appreciate being able to get this taken care of and with a certain level of confidence. I trust you and feel really comfortable with your advice. I've already referred some friends to you. I will continue to be your advocate and biggest fan!"

  • Ken B.

    "We felt very comfortable with both attorneys. We would feel comfortable if we had to call to have questions answered. The atmosphere with Mr. Matlin was great, and we left the office feeling positive about something that is so important to us."