Probate and Trust Administration 

The responsibilities with which an executor is charged can be an overwhelming experience, and we provide the sound and sensitive legal services necessary in the administration of a decedent’s estate. While the process may vary, our services include identifying, collecting and valuing the assets of the estate, arranging the settlement of the decedent’s debts, preparing probate court filings, the preparation of federal and Ohio estate tax returns, and all issues which may arise in connection with the allocation and/or distribution of assets to beneficiaries.  Cavitch's lawyers regularly represent the decedent's executor and/or trustee before the Internal Revenue Service and the Ohio Department of Taxation with respect to audits of federal and Ohio estate tax returns. Where appropriate, the firm's estate and trust lawyers can also provide planning advice regarding gifting issues, the preparation of federal gift tax returns and the audit of gift tax returns.

Cavitch Familo Durkin & Frutkin can also provide ongoing support and active participation in the administration of trusts, including accountings and distributions, fulfilling tax reporting requirements, and court filings when necessary. These services are offered to clients who have funded their trusts during lifetime and also to those who established trusts that are funded upon the death of the grantor.