Practice Group | Bassford Remele

Bassford Remele’s Trust and Estate practice provides comprehensive legal services in Trust and Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Trust and Estate Administration. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to protecting clients’ interests and legacies through a deep understanding of the complexities involved in these matters.

Trust and Estate Litigation

Our firm excels in Trust and Estate Litigation, offering unmatched experience in resolving disputes that arise in the administration of trusts and estates. We understand the emotional and financial stakes involved and are committed to protecting our clients’ interests. Our seasoned litigators are adept at handling complex legal issues, including:

• Dispute Resolution: Handling disputes over wills, trusts, and estate distributions.
• Executor and Trustee Actions: Defending or challenging the actions of executors and trustees.
• Undue Influence and Capacity Claims: Addressing allegations of undue influence or lack of capacity in estate documents.
• Fiduciary Duty Disputes: Resolving disputes related to fiduciary duties and trust interpretation.

We provide strategic advocacy to ensure that our clients' rights are upheld and their loved ones' wishes are honored. By leveraging our deep understanding of trust and estate law, we deliver effective solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Estate Planning

Our estate planning services are designed to help individuals manage their financial situations effectively in the event of incapacitation or death according to their wishes and goals. Our attorneys work closely with individuals and families to develop personalized strategies that minimize tax liabilities, protect assets, and provide for future generations. We offer a full range of estate planning services, including:

• Will Preparation: Drafting wills that outline asset distribution and guardianship arrangements.
• Trust Creation: Establishing revocable and irrevocable trusts to manage assets, minimize taxes, and achieve final distribution goals.
• Tax Strategies: Implementing strategies to reduce estate taxes, such as charitable donations and A-B trusts.
• Beneficiary Designations: Ensuring beneficiary information is up-to-date for retirement accounts, IRA’s, insurance policies, and other assets.
• Power of Attorney: Creating durable powers of attorney for health and financial matters.
• Business Succession Planning: Developing succession plans that ensure the smooth transition of ownership and management.
• Estate Plan Reviews: Ensuring your estate plan aligns with your current circumstances.
• Elder Care Planning: Focusing on the needs of families and individuals as they age and near the end of their lives.

Our goal is to provide peace of mind by ensuring that our clients’ estates are structured to achieve their personal and financial objectives, while also addressing potential contingencies.

Trust and Estate Administration

In the realm of Trust and Estate Administration, our firm provides meticulous guidance to executors, trustees, and beneficiaries. We navigate the complexities of probate and trust administration with precision, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and the efficient management of estate assets. We guide clients through the complex process of managing and distributing a deceased person's assets. Our attorneys are skilled in handling both routine and intricate administrative matters, including:

• Probate and Trust Administration: Managing assets subject to probate and those held in trust.
• Executor and Trustee Services: Assisting executors and trustees in fulfilling their duties.
• Asset Inventory and Valuation: Compiling comprehensive asset lists and obtaining professional appraisals.
• Debt Settlement and Tax Compliance: Paying valid debts and corresponding with clients’ tax preparers.
• Beneficiary Communication: Keeping beneficiaries informed throughout the administration process.

We are dedicated to facilitating a smooth administration process, alleviating the burden on our clients, and safeguarding the integrity of the estate or trust.

Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service, ensuring that each client's unique needs are met with expertise and compassion. Whether navigating complex litigation, planning for the future, or administering an estate, we are committed to protecting our clients' legacies.