Closing Out the Estate; What Must Be Done
By statute and case law, the Executor under a Last Will is required to settle a decedent’s estate in a timely manner and efficiently distribute estate assets to designated beneficiaries. After collecting and itemizing estate assets, paying the debts and taxes of the decedent, the Executor/Administrator must then close out the estate. In order to close out the estate, the estate representative must perform an accounting to the beneficiaries when he or she proposes to be legally discharged from his/her position.
How Much Time Does the Law Give You to Close the Estate?
In general, there is no maximum or minimum time by which an Executor or Administrator must close an estate and distribute estate assets. Finalizing the estate must be done pursuant to a “reasonable person” standard. If an estate is taxable, the Executor or Administrator should wait until a federal and/or state closing letter is received (tax waivers). In the event an estate is subject to both a federal and NJ state tax, NJ Transfer Inheritance Tax Branch will not issue a closing letter until the IRS issues its closing letter.
What About Partial Distributions of Estate Assets to Beneficiaries?
An Executor or Administrator by law can make distributions of estate assets directly to the intended beneficiaries with little or no formality and little or no paperwork. However, this formality is not without risks. Typically, the estate representative (executor, administrator) will not be discharged by the Surrogate’s Court unless Refunding Bonds and Releases are signed by beneficiaries and filed. If the Last Will or administrator’s appointment requires a bond to be posted, the bond premiums will continue to be billed to the estate and the costs of discharging the bond will be the Estate’s responsibility. Although an Executor most often doesn’t have to be bonded, an Executor waives the protection of a Refunding Bond and Release by not having this document signed by each beneficiary prior to distribution of their inheritance to him or her. Few attorneys will allow a client to close an estate without a signed release and refunding bond from each beneficiary.
An estate can be closed in one of four fashions: (1) the funds can simply be distributed directly by the Executor or Administrator to estate beneficiaries; (2) the funds can be distributed to an heir(s) after each signs a Release and Refunding Bond waiving his or her right to a formal accounting; (3) distribution can be made after the beneficiaries each execute a Refunding Bond and Release following receipt of an informal accounting; or (4) an Order has been signed and filed by a Court following the filing of a Verified Complaint and Order to Show Cause for approval of the Executor’s (or Administrator’s) formal or informal accounting to the heirs.
It is not unusual for families with little or no conflict and with a straightforward probate proceeding to execute a Refunding Bond and Release without requesting any accounting or information from the Executor or Administrator. One of the benefits of making partial distributions to beneficiaries regards income taxes. In making a partial distribution, the Executor/Administrator of the Estate can send a Form K-1 to the beneficiaries who, in turn, list estate income on their own individual Form 1040. This option is often preferable to having the estate pay the income tax at a significantly higher estate tax rate.
In determining whether a partial distribution should be made, the Executor or Administrator should weigh the following factors: (a) the financial needs of the beneficiaries, (b) potential deterioration or loss of value of estate property if distribution is delayed, and (c) income tax ramifications from shifting estate income. If the Executor or Administrator decides to make a partial distribution, he/she should treat all beneficiaries impartially by making pro-rata distribution of their shares.
By doing a partial release, one or more of the beneficiaries of an estate may place themself at some degree of risk if the executor is dishonest. This is because the signature and filing of such a bond(s) closes out the estate and discharges the Executor or Administrator from his/her position without further legal liability. I’ll discuss this subject further on this page.
I mentioned that you can legally close an estate without an accounting to beneficiaries. New Jersey probate law allows beneficiaries, however, the right to demand an accounting regarding the affairs and transactions of the estate. This principle was affirmed in a NJ Superior Court decision which stated:
“New Jersey caselaw has held that it is elementary that the Executor is under a duty to account for the assets of the estate coming to his or her possession or knowledge; and if, through failure of his or her fiduciary duty, he or she is unable to do so, the executor/rix is chargeable with their full value. It is a primary duty of an executor to gather in the assets of the estate; and in the discharge of this duty, to use only such care, skill, diligence, and caution as a person of ordinary prudence would undertake in matters of his own.”
In fulfilling his or her fiduciary obligation an estate representative is governed by the “prudent person” standard which in lay person’s terms means being “reasonably alert and responsible”. Where the fiduciary fails to fulfill his/her obligation, “the beneficiaries and others with an interest in the estate may file claims (called exception(s)) with the probate court challenging the accounting and the sufficiency of the disclosures made. If a court agrees with the beneficiaries, the Executor may be personally surcharged with the economic consequences of his/her failure of duty.” The term “surcharged” means, simply “penalized dollar for dollar” for what he/she or they screwed up and cost the estate.
What is an Inventory of Estate Assets?
An inventory is a written disclosure listing the assets of the decedent’s estate or trust. It is required as part of any estate or trust accounting. The purpose of an inventory is to give notice to all interested parties to the estate regarding the assets that comprise the estate/trust and to disclose the values those assets.
An inventory is required to include all of the decedent’s real and personal property, of whatever kind and nature of which the personal representative has any knowledge of its existence. All property should be included in the inventory. This includes cash in a bank(s), promissory notes, debts, and economic claims that can result in money being paid to the estate, including debts owed to the estate. N.J.S.A. § 3B:17-4. An inventory should be specific and detailed in describing the assets of the estate together with valuations or it may be rejected by the staff accountant at the surrogate’s office.
An interested party may dispute an inventory on various grounds, including the personal representative’s failure to include assets and income owned by the decedent or a claim that there are more assets in the estate than being disclosed by the representative in the inventory. The interested party who is contesting the inventory has the burden of proving “with reasonable certainty” the validity of the claim. An interested party is someone or an entity with an economic interest in the estate either directly or indirectly on behalf of another (i.e., divorced spouse on behalf of a minor child, collection agency on behalf of a creditor). An interested party may also claim that the valuation of the property is too high or too low.
The Fiduciary’s Legal Obligation
Maintenance and Retention of Records to Support an Accounting
Executors, administrators, guardians, and trustees are under a duty to keep and preserve accurate accounts, to give a beneficiary accurate information regarding estate property under his or her control and to allow a beneficiary to inspect the records of the estate. In addition, a testamentary trustee or the trustee of a living trust under a Last Will is under a duty to provide a beneficiary, at his or her request, with a copy of the trust agreement and relevant information about (1) the assets compromising the trust and (2) the particulars relating to its administration – essentially, a full disclosure of all information material to the beneficiary’s interest.
Serving as Both Executor and Trustee Under the Last Will and Testament
When a person serves as both a trustee and executor, the accounts for the estate and trust should each be kept separately. The fiduciary should establish a record-keeping system to monitor the activity of the funds in his or her charge. This record-keeping system should be set up in such a way as to allow the fiduciary to easily access the financial information needed to prepare an accounting. Just how formal the record-keeping system should be depends on a variety of factors such as the value of the funds being held, the type of assets comprising the estate or trust, and the number of transactions anticipated to be made during the administration. In simple cases, a checkbook ledger may be enough to track all the deposits and expenditures made from the estate or trust. In more complex estates/trusts, a better system may need to be established. In any event, the records maintained by the fiduciary should enable him or her to prepare schedules that allow for a formal accounting to beneficiaries. These records should include (1) estate assets inventoried at the time of death and the probate of the estate or trust; (2) subsequent receipts, (3) investments made, (4) disbursements made, (5) distributions to beneficiaries, (6) gains and losses on sales or other dispositions of estate property, (7) income earned, (8) changes in investment holdings, and (8) the current balance on account.
At times a demand for the proof(s) of payment for alleged disbursements is made by interested parties. While it goes without saying payment by check, certified funds and other methods of provable payment is generally the best proof, sometimes beneficiaries want more assurance(s) as to the bona-fides of a transaction(s). There is a court rule that provides that receipts supporting a payment in cash need only be presented at the request of a court or an interested person. If the County surrogate is auditing the estate accounting and makes the request for production of receipts to particular charges, if the fiduciary is unable to produce a receipt in support of the payment, the fiduciary can testify under oath with respect to the payment, and the fiduciary’s testimony, in the absence of the contradiction, is admissible by the court. Whether the court believes the witness is another issue.
When a fiduciary is required to provide an “accounting”, he or she will sometimes seek out the services of an accountant. Sometimes accountants are unaware that a fiduciary accounting is to be prepared according to the Rules of Court and is not the typical “double entry bookkeeping” system popular with accountants. Fiduciary accountings are a format to themselves, and many CPAs are unfamiliar with their implementation. Before hiring a CPA to assist with the preparation of a “fiduciary accounting”, you should ask the CPA about his/her familiarity with judicial accountings.
Distribution of Non-Probate Estate Assets to Beneficiaries
What is the role of the Executor in getting the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries? The answer often depends on the nature of the assets to be distributed. Does the estate have non-probate assets? (2) is there a specific bequest of an estate asset(s) to a named beneficiary? (3) who are the beneficiaries named in the residuary estate?
While perhaps surprising to many readers, non-probate assets are outside the scope of an Executor or Administrator’s responsibility to the estate. Non-probate assets are not counted in the Executor’s or Administrator’s commission or bonding obligation. An Executor who has knowledge of the existence of non-probate assets, should give that information to the intended beneficiary and facilitate the payment of any estate on inheritance taxes.
What are non-probate assets? First, non-probate assets often consist of assets such as life insurance, annuities, individual retirement accounts, and other retirement plans known as qualified plans. These assets are paid directly to the named beneficiaries. These accounts or policies are only paid to the estate if there is no named beneficiary, which then makes them a probate asset subject to the jurisdiction of the Executor. If there is a named beneficiary, the Executor or Administrator should simply provide a certified copy of a death certificate to the beneficiary so that he/she may claim the proceeds from said accounts or policies, but again facilitate the payment of any taxes due to the state or IRS. If no beneficiary is named, the Executor or Administrator will provide Letters Testamentary to the financial institution holding said asset and will eventually cause that asset(s) to be re-titled or paid over to the estate. In my opinion, the Executor should go no further. Other attorneys disagree.
Other types of non probate assets are pay on death accounts commonly referred to as transfer-on-death (TOD) or paid-on-death (POD) accounts. These are generally bank accounts but can also include government bonds as well (i.e. EE, US Savings bonds, H bonds, etc.). To claim these funds, the TOD or POD beneficiary must provide a certified copy of the death certificate to the custodian. The beneficiaries can obtain a copy of the death certificate at the municipality where the decedent resided at the time of his/her death.
Finally, assets can pass by law under New Jersey’s survivorship statute. Examples include accounts listed as joint tenants with right of survivorship. To claim the funds, the death certificate is produced by the surviving account holder and, by law, the funds are transferred to the joint surviving account holder.
With respect to real property, it is a misconception that legal title must be immediately changed to remove the decedent’s name. Not true. It is not always necessary to transfer the ownership of property by deed from the estate to the surviving owner. When the property is finally sold or conveyed, the grantor will merely recite the predecessor’s death in the deed recital.
Fredrick P. Niemann Esq.
Today, many financial institutions will only release one-half (50%) of jointly owned/non-probate assets to the legal survivor until a tax waiver is obtained from the State of New Jersey, unless the beneficiaries are Class A beneficiaries (i.e., spouse, parent, children, or other lineal descendants). For Class A beneficiaries, assets/account proceeds will be released immediately if a Form L-8 is executed at the financial institution. For more remote relatives and beneficiaries, some or all the assets will not be released until a tax waiver is received from the State of New Jersey.
Introduction to an Informal and Formal Estate Accounting
In virtually all estates, some form of accounting is required. The type of accounting that can be filed is known as either an “informal” or a “formal” accounting. An informal accounting is a general summary of the assets obtained by the Executor/Administrator, as well as income received, disbursements made by the estate, and proposed final distributions. In many instances, an informal accounting will summarize classes of expenditures rather than make line-by-line itemizations.
A formal accounting is typically generated in one of three circumstances: (1) a complex estate in which the beneficiaries and the Executor or Administrator agree upon the process; (2) where required by the Attorney General of New Jersey when a charity(ies) is involved; and (3) when agreement cannot be reached upon an informal account by estate beneficiaries and the Executor or Administrator whereby the executor can only be discharged by an order of the Superior Court.
When Can a Beneficiary Compel an Accounting From an Executor, Trustee or Administrator?
What Details Must the Final Accounting Contain?
Let’s first discuss what’s involved in a formal accounting before we discuss an informal accounting. A formal accounting generally includes information in the following areas: (1) a general disclosure of corpus, income, and available funds; (2) receipts of principal or corpus turned over by a beneficiary; (3) gains and losses on the sale(s) or other dispositions of capital assets; (4) disbursements of principal or corpus; (5) distributions of principal or corpus to estate beneficiaries; (6) statement of principal balance on hand; (7) receipts of income; (8) disbursements of income; (9) distribution of income to estate beneficiaries; and (10) reserves held and a proposed schedule of distribution to beneficiaries going forward.
When a formal accounting is filed in court, a representative from the Surrogate’s Office will review the account in detail. Their review is rigorous depending on the county of venue. The Surrogate’s Office charges a fee for their audit of the estate. After the audit is completed, a report is written to the probate judge and the attorney who prepared the accounting addressing any questions or concerns the Surrogate has regarding the account itself. Once approved, notice must be given to all interested parties of a scheduled hearing date when the Court will decide to approve or not approve the accounting. The Order to Show Cause filed by the estate representative will contain language which will set forth the date when exceptions to the accounting and answers to the Complaint must be filed by any protesting party (“exceptions” means disagreements with the accounting).
In complicated estates, it may be necessary to generate a formal accounting to demonstrate that all beneficiaries have been given full disclosure, of estate assets and the handling of the estate by the executor. Wherever possible, avoiding a formal accounting is in everyone’s best interest because of its cost. But if agreement cannot be reached, all parties can agree that a formal accounting can be used to close out the estate. Of course, this assumes the formal accounting does not create additional disagreements.
Often, the Charitable Trust Section of the Attorney General’s Office may require a formal accounting in order to finalize an estate when 501(c) charities are involved. By law, Notice of Probate must be sent to the Charity Trust Section of the Attorney General’s office whenever a charity is a beneficiary under a Will. If there is a specific bequest, the Charitable Trust Section does not require an accounting, however, when a charity or charities are remainder residuary beneficiaries, the State can require a formal accounting.
More Information About Formal Accounting(s) and the Courts
Most frequently, a formal accounting is filed when the Executor (Administrator) is unable to voluntarily secure signed Refunding Bonds and Releases from all beneficiaries after attempts to obtain same through using an informal accounting. To finalize the estate and to be discharged from his/her responsibilities, the Executor must obtain a Court Order of Discharge. To accomplish this, the Executor or Administrator must file an Order to Show Cause and Verified Complaint with an attached formal accounting. The Complaint will seek an Order from the Superior Court (Chancery Division/Probate Part) (a) approving the Executor’s or Administrator’s accounting, (b) approve the payment of all fees and costs incurred by the estate; (c) approve the Executor’s or Administrator’s commissions; and (d) discharge the Executor or Administrator from any further liability to the estate or its beneficiaries.
On the return date of the Order to Show Cause, the Court will listen to arguments by the parties regarding the accounting and any exceptions filed against the accounting. If necessary, the Court will take testimony. If the dispute is significant enough, the Court, as its discretion, will enter a discovery schedule involving interrogatories and depositions by the fiduciary and/or contesting beneficiaries. A date will be entered for a plenary hearing whereupon the probate judge will decide to accept or reject the accounting in its entirety or in part.
As part of the Court’s decision-making, the judge will decide the appropriateness of awarding fiduciary commissions, legal fees and costs incurred by the fiduciary. Although such fees are typically paid by the estate, the Court does have discretion to modify the Executor’s fees and can adjust the reasonableness of legal fees and costs.
Additionally, the Court can determine which party should be responsible for the payment of such fees and costs. Although fees and costs are typically paid by an estate, the Court can surcharge the Executor or Administrator if there exists evidence of gross negligence or fraud (“surcharge” means “punish”). Conversely, the Court can surcharge an opposing party for legal fees and costs incurred by requesting an accounting if the Court finds that the proceedings were generated in bad faith.
Once a Court gives approval of the final accounting, the executor’s surety bond can be discharged. This is done in one of two ways. First, the beneficiaries will be presented with a Refunding Bond and Release. If they fail to sign off the Refunding Bonds and Releases, an application can be made to the court by the Executor to have the beneficiary’s share paid into court or in advance, inserting this language in the Order discharging the surety bond once approval is given to the final accounting.
What about a beneficiary’s right to demand a final accounting? When can the demand be made? A beneficiary of an estate can compel an Executor or Administrator to account to him or her after one full year has gone by following the appointment of the Executor or Administrator unless special cause exists to compel an earlier accounting.
Introduction to an Informal Accounting
Because a formal fiduciary accounting is time-consuming, costly and the required financial disclosures and documentation resembles an audit, most estates and trusts use a simpler and less costly option called an “informal accounting”.
With an informal accounting a fiduciary is not required to formally settle an estate or trust if the fiduciary obtains from each beneficiary a signed document called a release and refund bond (sometimes it’s referred to as a discharge). This document must be signed by the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the estate or trust. When all interested parties agree to an informal accounting and sign refunding bonds and releases, none of them can later compel the fiduciary to prepare a formal accounting. N.J.A. § 3B:17-13 reads:
Unless the governing instrument expressly provides otherwise, an instrument settling or waiving an account, executed by all persons whom it would be necessary to join as parties in a proceeding for the judicial settlement of the account, shall be binding and conclusive on all other persons who may have a future interest in the property to the same extent as that instrument binds the person who executed it.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If it is later found out that the fiduciary engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, mismanagement, or undue influence, or there was a substantial misunderstanding on the part of a beneficiary which caused the beneficiary to forgo a formal accounting then, a formal accounting may be required by the surrogate of the probate court, or the probate judge.
In a difficult estate or trust where the fiduciary is fighting with or in conflict with one or more beneficiaries it may be beneficial to the Fiduciary to prepare a formal accounting to protect himself/herself from later accusations or claims from a beneficiary. A fiduciary has the right to settle an account formally or may be compelled to do so. N.J.S.A. § 3B:17-2. Moreover, a person with a financial interest in the Estate may file a complaint with the court to obtain an order to show cause compelling a formal accounting. Legal action to compel the settlement of an account must be instituted by a person having standing i.e., a person in interest. Examples of persons in interest include beneficiaries, creditors, heirs and next of kin.
Completion Deadlines For the Filing of an Estate and/or a Trust Accounting
An executor or administrator is not required to file his or her accounting in court unless a court compels him or her to do so. Even then a court cannot compel an executor or administrator to settle an account until the expiration of one year after their appointment, unless special reasons and/or allegations against the fiduciary are demonstrated to the satisfaction of the court prior to the first calendar year.
The same rules apply as a general matter to trusts and trustees. The first account of the trustee may be settled within one year after his or her appointment or as soon thereafter as is practicable. N.J.S.A. § 3B:17-3. This waiting period recognizes the unique circumstances that often exist in the administration of a trust and affords the trustee the flexibility needed to maximize the interest of the beneficiaries. A trustee may be required to settle his or her accounting at such times as a court requires, but this occurs only when a beneficiary has brought legal action against the trustee.
Exception to an Accounting; What Happens When There is Opposition to the Informal Accounting?
NJ court rules address the procedure to settle an informal account; any interested party must file written exceptions to any item or omission from the accounting. An exception(s) is/are objections to the accounting or to the fiduciary’s conduct during his/her administration of the estate or trust. Our states court rule(s) also require that exceptions be stated with specially and by specific allegations. They must identify the item or omission being disputed, the relief being sought and the reason for the relief.
The purpose of filing an exception is to compel the fiduciary to verify and prove the validity and accounting of the funds eligible for distribution to eligible beneficiaries and every interested party to an estate or trust.
Examples of exceptions to an accounting include the following:
- Charges and allowances as to principal & income;
- Full disclosure of all investments and assets composing of the estate or trust;
- The value of all inventory under control of the executor or trustee;
- Statement of all changes made in the investments and assets from the beginning to date of filing;
- All estate and inheritance taxes;
- Payment of counsel and professional fees, commissions and other administrative expenses;
- Any claim paid by the fiduciary which is unsupported by documentation;
- Any item or items in the statement of assets that is required to be attached to the account.
Executor/Trustee Liability in an Accounting
Exceptions Regarding Breach of Duty
If a fiduciary exceeds the powers and authority granted to him or her under the will or trust, a fiduciary is deemed to have committed a breach of fiduciary duty, even if the fiduciary acted in good faith or upon the advice of counsel. Case law has ruled that “due care and good faith cannot justify an executor, administrator, or a trustee who, under a mistake of law, intentionally does what is prohibited or is beyond his/her powers or who intentionally fails to do what is required by law”.
If, however, the fiduciary acts within the scope of his or her authority and in good faith makes a mistake of law or fact, the fiduciary is not legally chargeable if an ordinary prudent person would have or could have made the same mistake.
To recover for a breach of duty, an interested party must prove the loss being claimed resulted from a breach and the proof should generally be persuasive but there is usually no requirement that the interested party prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the loss occurred because of the breach. In response to a claim for breach of fiduciary duty the fiduciary will have the burden of proving that there was no connection between the breach and the loss claimed by the interested party.
If a fiduciary is unsure about what to do in a given situation and to avoid liability for breach of a duty, a fiduciary may seek the instructions of the chancery court before taking a particular action.
When a breach of duty occurs, the fiduciary is chargeable with any loss in the value of asset(s) as a result of the breach, any profit made by the fiduciary as a result of the breach, and any profit which would have accrued to the assets had there been no breach.
Hearings on Fiduciary Accountings
The Battle of Who’s Right and Who’s Wrong
In contested fiduciary accounting disputes, the chancery court judge has the final authority to decide the case.
Generally, in proceedings to settle the accounting of an executor, trustee or intestate administrator, the burden of proof is upon the personal representative or the challenger, depending upon the circumstance of the case. Thus, when a personal representative files his/her accounting and someone file exceptions, support going to to the bona-fides of the accounting falls upon the representative to establish its correctness and not on the claims of the objectors.
However, the burden of proving certain exceptions falls upon the objector. Our courts have ruled in many cases that the burden of showing there were more assets in an estate than disclosed by the executor in their inventory rests upon the objector, and “must be sustained with reasonably certainty.” This same general standard applies when the objector claims that the property of the estate was of greater value than is shown by the accounting. Once this burden is met, the burden then shifts to the executor to establish the accuracy of the content of its accounting to the property.
Damages, Remedies and Sanctions in an Accounting Fight
When a fiduciary is held liable for a breach of duty, the courts have many options as remedies. These remedies fall generally into four general categories: removal of the fiduciary, money damages, forfeiture of commissions, and other sanctions. Each of these categories is discussed below.
Removal of the Fiduciary if He or She is a Thief or Just Irresponsible
The general standards for removal of a fiduciary are set forth under N.J.S.A.§ 3B:14-21. The statute provides that the court may remove a fiduciary if the fiduciary “has embezzled, wasted or misapplied any part of the estate committed to his or her custody, or has abused the trust and confidence given to him or her under the law. Traditionally courts are reluctant to discharge an executor from office simply because (with the benefit of hindsight) the choice was unwise or improvident; still an executor can be removed from office upon a showing that he or she became the estate representative as a result of fraud, misconduct, or breach of trust.
A removed or discharged fiduciary must deliver to his or her successor all estate and/or assets as of the date of discharge generally and then he or she must prepare, file and settle his/her accounts within 60 days after entry of judgement or within such time as the court may direct. Within 60 days after settlement of the accounts, he/she must pay over to his successor any balance due.
(N.J.S.A.§ 3B:14-5. N.J.S.A.§ 3B:14-6) provides:
A fiduciary who fails to account or who fails to comply with the provisions of any order entered by the court is liable to a fine not exceeding the amount of the estate in the hands of the court.
A Judge Can Order a Forfeiture of Statutory Commissions Against a Fiduciary
Statutory commissions for service as a fiduciary have been denied in a variety of circumstances, such as where: (1) the fiduciary fails to invest funds; (2) the fiduciary fails to keep trust funds separate; (3) the fiduciary accepts gratuities from interested parties or others doing business with trust property and employees of the trust; (4) an unreasonable delay in rendering an accounting; (5) failure to keep an account or keep an account which is obscure; (6) the fiduciary uses funds personally; (7) money is lent to one of the fiduciaries without security.
Forfeiture of Commissions: Failure to Invest
When an executor fails to keep proper records of the estate’s accounts and/or has failed to make investments according to the direction of the Will by his/her negligence has been damaged in will not be allowed commissions.
Forfeiture of Commissions: Failure to Account by an Executor(s), Administrator(s) & Trustee(s)
Where a trustee has failed or neglected to keep an accounting of his or her investments and of the trust as a request for the trust funds, fails to have supporting records of his receipts and disbursement of the funds from the trust, and caused or contributed to litigation, no compensation will be approved.
Not sure how to wind up the Estate or handle Non-Probate assets as the executor or administrator? If so, please contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. toll-free at (855) 376-5291 or email him at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com. Please ask us about our video conferencing consultations if you are unable to come to our office.
Written by New Jersey Estate Administration and Probate Lawyer Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq.