Losing a loved one is hard enough. Add in court filings, tax issues, deadlines, and family expectations, and the stress can quickly become overwhelming.
When the Paperwork Becomes Personal
Maybe you are the eldest child and have just found out you have been named executor. Or you are a surviving spouse trying to sort through bank accounts, life insurance, and legal documents. Maybe there is a trust involved, but no one seems quite sure what it says — or what to do next.
We are here to help with all of it. From small estates with a simple will to complex trusts with ongoing administration needs, our job is to take a complicated process and make it as clear and manageable as possible — so you can focus on your family, not the paperwork.
What Is Involved in Estate Administration?
Probate: Probate is the court-supervised process of settling an estate. We guide executors and administrators through every step — from filing the initial paperwork with the County Clerk’s Office to distributing assets and closing the estate.
Trust Administration: Acting as a trustee comes with real responsibility. We help clients interpret trust documents, manage distributions, prepare required notices, and meet fiduciary duties under North Carolina and Tennessee law.
Asset Collection and Valuation: From real estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains to investment portfolios, we help collect, identify, and value estate and trust assets — including business interests and jointly held property.
Debt Settlement and Tax Compliance: We will help ensure that all final debts are paid appropriately and that any required state and federal tax returns are filed correctly and on time.
Supporting Family Members Through the Process
Guidance for Executors and Trustees: If you have been named in a legal role, we will make sure you understand your duties — and we will help you carry them out. Our goal is to keep you informed, compliant, and protected every step of the way.
Resolving Questions, Avoiding Conflict: We are a transactional firm, not a litigation firm — and most of our clients want to keep it that way. We help families stay on the same page, clarify gray areas, and head off potential disputes before they start.
Trust Administration for Long-Term Planning: Some trusts are not just for one moment — they last for years, even generations. If you are managing a continuing trust for children, charitable purposes, or tax planning, we will help you stay on track with compliance, reporting, and smart decision-making that reflects the trust’s intent.
Administration for Business and Complex Estates: Many of our clients have assets beyond the basics — including business holdings, investment real estate, or family trusts. We work closely with business owners, professionals, and high-net-worth families to ensure estates and trusts are handled with precision and discretion.
Why Work With Us?
A Local Firm You Can Meet With in Person: We are based in downtown Asheville, and we meet with clients right here in our office. You do not have to drive hours or rely on a call center — we are local, accessible, and experienced.
Clear Answers for a Complex Process: You should not need a law degree to understand what is going on. We explain your responsibilities in plain language, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Support That Stays With You: Estate and trust administration is not a one-and-done process. We stay with you throughout — answering questions, handling filings, and guiding you every step of the way.
Let us Work Through This Together, Contact us for a Conversation
If you have recently lost a loved one or been named as a trustee or executor, we are here to help. Reach out to our Asheville office today to schedule a consultation with a trust and estate administration attorney. We will sit down, talk it through, and find clear legal solutions — together.