Probate, Trust, & Guardianship Administration
Jackson Walker’s Trusts & Estates attorneys assist and advise on a variety of probate and estate administration, trust administration, and guardianship matters.
Probate and Estate Administration
Probate and estate administration is a complex process that unfolds during the most difficult of times. Our dedication to understanding our clients and the needs of their family enables us to navigate them through this difficult time with as little interruption and frustration as possible. Our attorneys handle all filings before the probate court and are able to oversee the asset evaluation process, including obtaining valuations and preparing the required inventories. We also assist with creditors’ claims and estate distributions and can handle both federal estate tax returns and state death tax returns. When necessary, we represent estate beneficiaries in contested matters and negotiate settlements.
Trust Administration
Trusts are an important aspect of wealth planning and often key to maintaining harmonious family relations. We work closely with clients to construct the proper trust arrangements to meet their needs. We are then available each step of the way to see that the administration and distribution of the trust are handled smoothly and effectively. Our Trusts & Estates attorneys advise trustees as well as beneficiaries on both the legal and tax aspects and implications of trust administration. We provide guidance on construction, interpretation, revocation, and reformation of the trust in accordance with the trust agreement and compliance with state and federal law.
We often assist beneficiaries in understanding and, if need be, enforcing their rights to distributions, accounting information, and any additional information they are entitled to receive, particularly when there has been a breach of one or more fiduciary duties. We also advise on adjudication and dispute resolution when issues arise between beneficiaries and can assist in identifying and recovering trust assets when necessary.
Guardianship Administration
Jackson Walker Trusts & Estates attorneys establish and administer guardianships. Depending on the situation, we can assist with drafting powers of attorney and supported decision making agreements, representation of the guardian of the estate, the guardian of the individual, or the guardian ad litem, and the opening and closing of the guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults.
July 18, 2024
Spotlight
Family Office Practice Recognized in Chambers High Net Worth Guide; Sarah Patel Pacheco Ranked for High Net Worth Disputes
Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading independent professional legal research company, has recognized Sarah Patel Pacheco and our Family Office practice in its High Net Worth Guide for 2024.
July 28, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Sarah Patel Pacheco to Present Drafting Ideas for Trustees at UT Law CLE’s Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law Conference
Sarah Patel Pacheco to present at the 25th annual Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law Conference on August 10th, 2023. She will be discussing how to draft of the trustee in a challenging environment.
June 13, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Kathleen Beduze Presents on Temporary Guardianships and Emergency Relief to the Texas Guardianship Association
Kathleen Tanner Beduze presented a webinar on June 13, 2023, to Texas Guardianship Association members regarding the chapter she authored for the Texas Guardianship Manual, entitled “Temporary Guardianships and Other Emergency Relief.”
January 10, 2022
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Welcomes Wealth Planning and Fiduciary Litigation Group to Houston
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the arrival of five Houston litigators focused on probate, trust, and fiduciary litigation. The team is led by Sarah Patel Pacheco and includes Kathleen Tanner Beduze, Joshua R. Flores, Joe R. Savoie, and Jocelyn Thibodaux Slater.
