The largest responsibility of the court involves the supervision of decedents’ estates. This Court’s annual estate case load is approximately 750 estates.
The court supervises the estate administration by appointing an estate fiduciary (executor or administrator) when necessary, who must collect the assets of the decedent, pay all the legal obligations and debts of the decedent, and distribute the remaining assets to those who are entitled to inherit. Most full estates are closed within nine months.
A properly drafted and executed will is beneficial and will allow the estate to be administered more efficiently. It is recommended that an attorney be consulted for the preparation of a will.