Probate & Trust Administration
What Is Probate & Trust Administration?
Probate and trust administration is the legal process by which a decedent’s estate (or trust) is settled and distributed. It ensures that debts, taxes, and administrative costs are paid, and remaining assets are properly transferred to heirs or beneficiaries.
This area of law can be complex and time-consuming — having an experienced attorney working for you helps ensure compliance with Arizona law, avoids pitfalls, and provides clarity to the family during an emotional time.
How We Help with Probate & Trust Administration
At Sternfels & White, PLLC, we assist clients through each step of the probate and trust administration process. Our goal is to make it as smooth, transparent, and efficient as possible.
Services include:
Guidance & Strategy — Helping fiduciaries (personal representatives, executors, trustees) understand obligations, timelines, and best practices
Filing & Court Matters — Preparing and filing petitions, inventory, accountings, and other probate court documents
Creditor Claims & Debts — Identifying, evaluating, and handling creditor claims, settling outstanding debts where appropriate
Tax & Accounting Issues — Coordinating with accountants to address estate tax, income tax, and fiduciary accounting issues
Asset Transfer & Distribution — Ensuring title transfers, beneficiary designations, deed changes, and final distributions are properly executed
Trust Modifications & Interpretations — When ambiguities or new circumstances arise, helping trustees interpret or modify trust terms (where allowed by law)
Why Choose Us for Probate & Trust Work
Deep Experience in Arizona Law
Our team is well-versed in Arizona’s probate statutes, rules, and local court practices.Clear Communication
We keep fiduciaries and beneficiaries informed, explain legal options in everyday terms, and provide regular status updates.Personalized & Compassionate Approach
Probate and trust administration often occurs during times of grief or tension — we bring patience, respect, and sensitivity to the process.Cost-Conscious & Efficient
We aim to minimize delays and administrative costs by thoughtful planning and proactive management.
Our Process (What to Expect)
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We review the estate plan, trust documents, asset inventory, title documents, liability exposures, and any family timeline or conflict concerns.
Petition & Appointment of Fiduciary
If probate is necessary, we file the petition to appoint the personal representative or executor
Inventory & Notice to Creditors
We compile an inventory of assets, notify known creditors and potential creditors, and evaluate their claims.
Manage Assets & Pay Obligations
During administration, we protect, manage, and, if necessary, liquidate assets; pay taxes, claims, and administrative costs.
Accounting & Court Filings
Prepare accountings as required by Arizona law and present them for court approval or beneficiary review.
Distribution & Closing
After all claims and obligations are satisfied, we oversee final distributions and close the estate or trust.
Ongoing Trust Oversight
For longer-term trusts, we can assist with ongoing trust accounting, beneficiary communications, and periodic reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. If the decedent’s assets were owned jointly, held via beneficiary designation, or placed in a properly funded trust, probate may be avoided or limited.
It depends on complexity, creditor claims, disputes, and court scheduling. For uncomplicated estates, it may take several months to over a year
Yes. Disgruntled beneficiaries may raise objections, demand accountings, or petition the court for removal of a fiduciary. We handle such disputes carefully.
Costs typically include court filing fees, fiduciary commissions, attorney fees, appraisal fees, accounting fees, and tax preparation. We aim to control costs by smart planning and efficient administration.
Absolutely. We regularly help clients design trusts (revocable, irrevocable, special needs, etc.), integrate them into broader estate plans, and later administer them if necessary.
Contact Us to Get Started
Probate and trust administration can be burdensome — but you don’t need to do it alone. Let our experienced team at Sternfels & White guide the process and protect your interests.
Call us at (480) 816-9985 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.