The Law Offices of
John K. Cook, P.A.

215 E. Jones Street
P.O. Box 226
Wake Forest, NC 27588
phone (919) 556-4899
fax (919) 556-3369


Estate Administration

Estate administration consists of an orderly transfer of assets from a deceased person to his heirs. Based upon the size of assets involved, this transfer may occur without the need to open an estate with a local court through the use of jointly held and other nonprobate assets, the Spousal Allowance, or an Administration by Affidavit. Otherwise, the administration is accomplished through a complete estate process. A complete administration includes qualification before the court, the advertisement of a notice to creditors in a local newspaper, the preparation of an inventory, the payment of estate expenses and the claims of creditors, the distribution of the assets to the heirs, either in a manner specified in the deceased person's will or by intestate succession ( if no will exists), and the payment of all appropriate taxes.

The various taxes which should be considered, include a final income tax return, gift tax return (if necessary), a fiduciary income tax return, and an inheritance tax return. Each of these taxes require both state and federal returns.

In contrast to the general perception, estates can be administrated in a speedy manner, with the estate being terminated as quickly as four months after it is begun.



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