Estate Services

In addition to conservator/guardian services we offer estate services for our clients

A Personal Representative (PR) of the Estate (often referred to as an Executor), is charged with ensuring a person’s financial affairs are settled upon his or her death. Typically a person completes a will nominating an organization or person to administer their estate. If a will does not exist, a PR can be nominated by a family member or creditor. Whether named in a will, or nominated by a family member or creditor, the district court then appoints the personal representative (PR) to settle the estate. Once appointed, the PR inventories and secures the assets, ensures all debts are properly discharged, and makes final distributions according to the will or, when no will exists, according to state statute.

The administration of an estate can be complicated, with the PR needing to have a firm legal understanding of assets, creditors and debt, and distributions. There is also often an emotional aspect to the administration that can be difficult for family members, and can lead to conflict within the family.