Of Counsel
mmt@athomaslaw.com
 

Practice Areas:
Estate Administration
Guardianship

The administration of a decedent's estate can be an overwhelming task for the surviving family members. Even if the loved one had the foresight and organization to form an estate plan and properly register the assets, there is still a monumental amount of work to be done, often times extending two or more years from the date of death. Having an attorney who understands the entire process of administration can help alleviate the burden for the surviving family members. Ms. Thomas has expertise in the following areas:

• Marshall assets;
• Coordinate the valuation of assets on date of death or alternate valuation dates; including real estate appraisals, securities valuations, personal property appraisals, etc.;
• Consider post-mortem estate planning strategies that may reduce the estate tax burden;
• Prepare and file Federal Estate Tax Return with the Internal Revenue Service;
• Prepare and file any state estate or inheritance tax returns that may be due;
• If real property is owned in another state, verify that it is being appropriately transferred and reported;
• Administer the probate estate, if applicable;
• Obtain tax identification numbers for the estate and/or trust(s);
• Transfer assets to the individual beneficiaries or to the trust(s);
• Contact accountant to verify that all appropriate income tax returns are being filed.

Education