Dealing with the death of a loved one is difficult enough, but when there are legal and financial matters to attend to, it can become overwhelming. One of the most important aspects of settling an estate is properly handling the administration. But who exactly is in charge of this process? In this blog post, we will answer this question and more as we explore estate administration in Rhode Island and how Tomassi Law, LLC can assist Warwick residents with these matters.

When a person passes away, their assets must be distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries according to their wishes (as stated in their will) or according to state law if they did not have a will. The person in charge of overseeing this process is called the fiduciary. In most cases, the fiduciary is named in the decedent's will and is typically a family member or close friend. If no one was named as fiduciary, the court may appoint someone.

The fiduciary has several responsibilities during the estate administration process including identifying and managing assets, paying debts and taxes owed by the decedent's estate, notifying creditors and beneficiaries of their rights, distributing assets according to the will or state law, and filing final tax returns for the decedent.

Navigating all of these tasks can be complex and time-consuming. That's where an attorney can help. An experienced estate administration attorney like those at Tomassi Law, LLC can guide you through each step of the process while ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

One key benefit of working with an attorney during estate administration is avoiding costly mistakes. For example, failing to properly identify all assets or pay outstanding debts could result in legal action against the fiduciary personally. An attorney can help mitigate these risks by providing expert guidance and minimizing errors.

At Tomassi Law, LLC we assist Warwick residents with estate administration matters. Our experienced attorneys provide compassionate guidance and legal support during this difficult time. We can help you navigate the estate administration process, ensure all legal requirements are met, and minimize risks for the fiduciary.

In conclusion, properly handling estate administration is crucial to ensuring that a decedent's assets are distributed according to their wishes or state law. The fiduciary is responsible for overseeing this process, but an attorney can play a vital role in providing expert guidance and minimizing risks. If you need assistance with estate administration in Rhode Island, Tomassi Law, LLC is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time.