The process of transferring assets to surviving family members upon the death of an individual is an administration. Family members may be required to administer the decedent’s probate estate or the decedent’s living trust. Family members are guided in the following matters during the course of an administration:

• Inventory of assets
  
  
• Preparation and filing of probate documents with the Probate Court in order to have the decedent’s Will allowed
  
  
• Determination of appropriate claims, debts and expenses of
  the estate
  
  
• Preparation and filing of probate Inventory and probate accounting
  
  
• Appointment and acceptance of Trustees and other fiduciaries
  (e.g. executors, guardians of minors)
  
  
• Determination of whether a federal or Massachusetts (or other state) estate tax return is required to be prepared and filed
  
  
• Determination of whether any post-mortem planning may reduce current or future estate taxes through qualified disclaimers
  
  
• Preparation and filing of estate tax return(s)
  
  
• Analysis of outstanding income tax issues and coordination with CPA or income tax preparer
  
  
• Funding of trusts and trust shares
  
  
• Timing of distribution of assets among family
  
  
• Release of liens associated with title to real estate