Deceased Estates Services

1. Estate Administration

Our Deceased Estates services encompass the full range of activities necessary for the orderly administration of a deceased person’s estate. This process involves a series of legal and administrative steps to ensure that the deceased’s assets and liabilities are appropriately managed and distributed. Our services include:

Executorship: We can act as an executor or assist the appointed executor in carrying out their duties, which may include gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries according to the will or the laws of intestacy.
Letters of Executorship: We help clients in obtaining the necessary legal documents, such as Letters of Executorship, to officially authorize the executor to manage the estate.
Asset Valuation and Inventory: We assist in determining the value of the deceased’s assets and creating an inventory of all assets, including property, investments, and personal possessions.
Debt Settlement: Our team will work to settle outstanding debts and liabilities of the deceased from the estate’s assets, ensuring that creditors’ claims are handled efficiently and legally.

2. Drafting of Wills and Testamentary Documents

Preparing a will is a crucial step in estate planning. We offer services related to wills and testamentary documents, including:

Will Drafting: Our attorneys help clients draft clear and legally valid wills, ensuring that their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets are accurately documented.
Review and Updates: We review and update existing wills to reflect changes in circumstances, such as changes in beneficiaries, assets, or the inclusion of charitable bequests.
Living Wills and Advanced Healthcare Directives: We can assist in drafting living wills and advanced healthcare directives, ensuring that clients’ medical and end-of-life wishes are legally documented and respected.

3. Estate Planning and Trusts

Effective estate planning is essential to protect and preserve assets for future generations. Our services include:

Trusts: We assist in setting up and managing trusts, including family trusts, charitable trusts, and other forms of trusts to safeguard assets and provide for beneficiaries.
Estate Tax Planning: Our team can help clients navigate estate tax and inheritance tax matters, ensuring that the estate’s tax obligations are minimized.
Beneficiary Designations: We advise on and manage beneficiary designations for assets such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts to ensure that they align with the client’s estate planning goals.

4. Intestate Succession

When a person passes away without a will, their estate is subject to the laws of intestate succession. We guide clients through this process, ensuring that assets are distributed according to the legal guidelines in place.

5. Trustee Services

For clients who require professional trustees to oversee trusts and ensure that beneficiaries’ interests are protected, we offer trustee services, managing trust assets and distributions in line with the trust’s terms and the law.

6. Guardianship and Custody Matters

In cases where minor children are involved in the deceased’s estate, we provide legal guidance on guardianship and custody matters to ensure that their best interests are protected and their care is well-planned.

Our Deceased Estates services are designed to help clients navigate the often-complex legal and administrative processes associated with estate matters. We understand the emotional challenges that can arise during these times and aim to provide compassionate and supportive assistance to guide clients through the legal requirements.

Chidilim Chukwuma Attorneys Incorporated is your trusted partner for all matters related to deceased estates, estate planning, and wills. Our experienced team is here to assist you in managing and resolving the legal aspects of estate administration and planning, ensuring that your loved one’s assets are protected and distributed according to their wishes or legal requirements.