Estates
Estate administration, estate settlement and probate support in San Luis Obispo County
Settling an estate takes organization, patience and follow-through. I serve as executor or administrator when named or appointed, and I support families and probate attorneys with the practical work.
Kristie Carter, NCGCalifornia Licensed Professional FiduciaryCentral Coast, California
Estate services for families and executors
Estate administration in San Luis Obispo
When a will names me as executor, or the Superior Court in San Luis Obispo County (SLO County) or Santa Barbara County appoints me as administrator, I take responsibility for the estate: collecting assets, protecting property, paying valid debts, and keeping a full accounting for the court and the heirs.
Estate settlement services
Even when there is no probate, someone has to close accounts, cancel services, sort records, deal with the house, and get the right assets to the right people. I handle that work and keep everyone updated.
Probate support
Your probate attorney handles the legal filings and advice. I handle the hands-on side: securing the home, inventory, appraisals, bills, records, and getting property ready to keep or sell.
Planning ahead
Wealth transfer planning, coordinated with your advisors
I do not give legal, tax or investment advice. I work alongside your estate planning attorney, CPA and financial advisor so the plan they design can actually be carried out, and I can be named in that plan as trustee, successor trustee or executor.
When I serve as fiduciary on a matter, property is handled through the trust or court process, and any potential conflict of interest is disclosed in writing and handled under 16 CCR 4476.
Common questions
What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is named in a will. An administrator is appointed by the court when there is no will, or the named executor cannot serve. Both manage and settle the estate.
Do we have to go to probate?
Assets held in a living trust usually avoid probate. Assets outside a trust may need probate. An estate attorney can tell you which applies to your family.
Fees
Hourly fees range from $200 to $275. My full written fee schedule is provided free on request. Call 805.235.4499 or email kristie@kristiecarter.com.
Trustee fees are paid from the trust as the trust and California law allow (Probate Code 15681) and are shown in the trust accounting. In conservatorships, the court reviews and approves fees (Probate Code 2640 to 2645).
Talk with Kristie
The first call is a chance to ask questions and see if I'm the right fit for your family, your trust or your case.
Serving San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California.
Please don't email account numbers, Social Security numbers or medical details. We can go over those in person.