Trusted Estate Administration When An Independent Fiduciary Is Needed

Serving as the executor or administrator of an estate is a significant responsibility. While many people choose a family member or close friend to handle these duties, there are situations where appointing an experienced, impartial professional is the best decision for everyone involved.

Attorney Craig P. Tiller provides professional fiduciary services for estates, helping ensure that estate administration is handled responsibly, efficiently and in accordance with Virginia law. Whether you are planning ahead or the court has appointed a fiduciary to administer an estate, Mr. Tiller offers experienced guidance throughout the process.

An Experienced Professional You Can Trust

With more than three decades of legal experience serving individuals and families throughout Central Virginia, Craig P. Tiller understands the legal and financial responsibilities involved in administering an estate.

As a professional fiduciary, he can assist with responsibilities such as:

  • Administering estates in accordance with Virginia law
  • Identifying, collecting and protecting estate assets
  • Paying valid debts, taxes and expenses
  • Communicating with beneficiaries and interested parties
  • Managing distributions according to a will or applicable law
  • Working with the probate court throughout the administration process

His objective is to provide careful, impartial administration while helping reduce unnecessary conflict and delays.

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When A Professional Fiduciary May Be The Right Choice

There are many circumstances where appointing a professional fiduciary is beneficial. Family dynamics, complex financial matters or the absence of a suitable executor can make estate administration challenging.

A professional fiduciary can provide an objective approach when:

  • Family members disagree about the administration of an estate
  • There is no trusted individual available to serve
  • The estate involves significant or complex assets
  • Beneficiaries live in different states or have limited availability
  • An independent administrator is preferred to avoid conflicts of interest

Having an experienced legal professional oversee the process can provide peace of mind that the estate is being managed fairly and according to the law.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A professional fiduciary can handle many of the responsibilities involved in administering an estate, including managing estate assets, paying bills and expenses, communicating with beneficiaries, coordinating with attorneys and other professionals, maintaining records, and helping ensure that the estate is administered according to the will and applicable Virginia law.
A professional fiduciary may be helpful when an estate is complex, family members live in different states, there is potential for conflict among beneficiaries, or no family member is willing or able to take on the responsibilities of administering the estate. Some people also prefer a professional fiduciary to provide an independent and neutral party to manage the estate.
Tiller Law offers professional fiduciary services for estates when an independent and experienced fiduciary is needed to help manage the administration of an estate. Services can be tailored to the needs of the estate and may include serving in a fiduciary role, coordinating with other professionals, managing administrative responsibilities, and communicating with beneficiaries.