At Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold LLP, we offer a wide range of probate and trust administration services. A death in the family is difficult enough to handle, and legal matters concerning such circumstances can be overwhelming. In addition, we recognize that the death of a loved one can prompt some very difficult family dynamics. We understand these dynamics, and we strive to counsel you with regard to probate and trust matters with exceptional expertise and sensitivity.

Administration of an estate can take several different forms, depending on whether or not there is a will and/or a trust and depending on the size of the estate. The process can be informal and simple, or formal and complex, and in the latter situation, that means court supervision and the filing of a significant number of court documents. Invariably, though, estate administration always involves the location, marshalling, and valuation of estate assets, discovery and analysis of significant documents, preparation of inventories, analysis of options, transfer of assets, and the preparation of tax returns and associated documents. It is also important to assess the exposure to estate taxes, and, if necessary, analyze the opportunity to minimize such taxes.

Trust administration is different in that a trust is usually set up to avoid some of the requirements and expense of Probate Court administration. While Probate may be avoided by the use of a trust, there are still certain things that must be done in order to properly administer a trust following the death or incapacity of one who set up such trust. In addition to those requirements, trust administration can involve legal challenges relating to the creation of the trust documents, the transfer of assets to such trust, the selection and suitability of trustee, the reasonableness of the trustee's actions, compensation of trustees and hired professionals, the sufficiency of prior accountings, addressing unresolved tax issues and innumerable other problems and issues.

In the context of your difficult circumstances, we stand ready to assist you to navigate the legalities of estate and trust administration. We will help you properly administer the trust or estate, or supervise the conduct of others charged with such responsibility. With a number of our Phoenix based managing partners having been certified by the Arizona Bar Association as Specialists in Estate and Trust Law, you can be assured that your estate and trust administration matters will be skillfully handled.