Estate administration
Settling a parent's estate, step by step.
Overview
When a parent dies, someone has to gather what they owned, pay final bills and pass on what is left.
That can mean probate court, an estate bank account, a house to sell, and sometimes a Medicaid estate recovery claim. We guide the executor or family through each step, at a pace that respects grief.
Is this for you?
Families usually call us about estate administration when:
- You were named executor and do not know where to start
- A parent died without a will
- A parent received Medicaid, and the state sent a letter about estate recovery
- Brothers and sisters disagree about the house or belongings
What we help with
- Qualifying as executor
- Inventory and accountings
- Estate recovery claims
- Selling the family home
- Small estates without full probate
How it works
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Step 1: The first weeks
Find the will, secure the home and gather the mail. Most legal steps can wait a few weeks. We give you a short list of what cannot.
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Step 2: Qualify in court
We prepare the papers for the executor or administrator to be appointed and get the documents banks will ask for.
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Step 3: Gather, pay, account
We help collect assets, check each bill before it is paid, and keep the records the court expects.
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Step 4: Distribute and close
When debts and taxes are handled, we help pass on what is left and close the estate.
What it costs
Example flat fees and ranges for this sample firm. Your fee is written down before any work starts.
| Service and example fee | Example fee |
|---|---|
| Small estate, when full probate is not needed $1,500 to $2,500 | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Probate with a home and a few accounts $4,500 to $7,500 | $4,500 to $7,500 |
| Responding to a Medicaid estate recovery claim $750 to $2,000 | $750 to $2,000 |
| Disagreements among heirs Hourly, with a written estimate | Hourly, with a written estimate |
What we cannot promise
We cannot promise how long a court will take or that family members will agree. We can promise clear updates, a written to-do list, and honest advice when a dispute is not worth what it would cost.
Questions families ask
Do I have to pay my parent's debts myself?
Generally, no. Debts are paid from the estate, not from the children's own money, unless you co-signed or guaranteed something. We review each bill before anything is paid.
What is Medicaid estate recovery?
Federal law requires states to seek repayment from the estates of some people who received Medicaid long-term care. There are limits and exceptions, for example while a spouse is still living. We check whether a claim is valid and what it can reach.
How long does it take?
Many estates take about a year. Some are faster. Estates with a house to sell or a disagreement usually take longer.
Who you will work with
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Priya Raman
Attorney
Related practice areas
Talk to us about estate administration.
Book a consultation online in about three minutes, or call and a real person will answer. We return every call within one business day.