Guiding Families Through the Legal and Financial Responsibilities Following a Loss
The death of a loved one brings emotional challenges that are often accompanied by complex legal and financial responsibilities. Whether an estate must go through probate or assets are administered through a trust, the process involves strict legal requirements, fiduciary duties, tax considerations, and important deadlines.
At Araya Law, PLLC, we guide Personal Representatives, Trustees, and beneficiaries through every stage of estate and trust administration with practical advice, clear communication, and careful attention to detail. Our goal is to relieve the administrative burden while ensuring that the estate is administered efficiently, properly, and in accordance with the decedent’s wishes and applicable law.
Probate Administration
Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a person’s estate after death. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve:
- Determining the validity of a Will
- Appointment of a Personal Representative
- Identifying and safeguarding estate assets
- Notifying creditors and resolving claims
- Managing estate property during administration
- Preparing required court filings and inventories
- Addressing tax reporting obligations
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Closing the estate
Whether the estate requires Summary Administration, Formal Administration, or Ancillary Probate for property located in Florida, we provide experienced legal guidance throughout the process.
Trust Administration
Serving as Trustee carries significant legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Even when probate is avoided, trust administration often requires careful legal guidance to ensure compliance with the trust terms and applicable law.
We assist Trustees with:
- Interpreting trust provisions
- Marshaling and valuing trust assets
- Preparing trust administration notices
- Advising on fiduciary duties
- Coordinating distributions to beneficiaries
- Working with accountants and financial advisors
- Addressing trust accounting issues
- Resolving beneficiary questions and disputes
- Assisting with trust modifications when appropriate
- Our objective is to help Trustees fulfill their responsibilities confidently while minimizing unnecessary risk.
International Probate
Many modern families own assets or maintain family members in multiple countries. Cross-border estate administration presents unique challenges involving foreign assets, international heirs, tax reporting obligations, and coordination with professionals in multiple jurisdictions.
Our practice has extensive experience assisting families with matters involving:
- Foreign beneficiaries
- Non-U.S. citizen
- International asset transfers
- U.S. real property owned by foreign nationals
- Foreign trusts and business interests.
- Cross-border tax coordination
- Ancillary administration involving international estates
We regularly collaborate with foreign attorneys, accountants, and financial professionals to provide coordinated solutions for internationally connected families.
Our Commitment
Every estate represents someone’s lifetime of work, relationships, and legacy.
Whether you are administering the estate of a loved one, serving as Trustee, or navigating a complex cross-border administration, we provide thoughtful legal guidance tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
Our approach combines technical legal knowledge, international planning experience, and compassionate client service to help families move through the administration process with confidence.
Need Guidance After the Loss of a Loved One?
If you have been appointed as a Personal Representative or Trustee, or simply need to understand your rights and responsibilities, we are here to help.