Leopold Ostrowski
Partner, probate and trust administration
Settles estates and trusts after a death, from the first inventory to the last check.
Practice
Probate and trust administration
When someone dies, their family has bills, a house and a court to deal with, often from far away. One of us handles it from the first inventory to the final account, and tells you each week where it stands.
Opening the estate
We file to have the personal representative appointed and send the notices the court requires.
Inventory and bills
We list what the person owned, value the house and accounts, and pay valid debts in the right order.
Selling the house
We work with a realtor and the court so the house can be listed, sold and closed while the estate is open.
Final account and closing
We prepare the final account, pay the heirs and close the estate. Trusts follow the same steps without the court.
Who handles it
Leopold settles each estate himself
Probate, asked often
Do we have to go to court?
Most estates in probate need a court filing, but few need a hearing anyone attends. A trust usually avoids court entirely.
I live in another state. Can I still be the personal representative?
Usually, yes. Most of the work is done by mail and video, and we can sign for filings with your permission.
How long does probate take?
Commonly six months to a year. A house sale, a dispute or a tax return can make it longer; we’ll say which applies at the start.
How are you paid?
By the hour or a flat fee, agreed in writing. Fees are paid from the estate, not by you personally.
Talk to Leopold about an estate
Bring the death certificate, the will if there is one and any recent statements.