Probate, Trust Administration &
Fiduciary Services

Professional Guidance Through Probate or Trust Administration

Probate & Trust Administration – Let Us Carry the Burden So You Don’t Have To

Losing a loved one is hard enough.
When you’re also named as the Executor (Personal Representative) or Trustee, you suddenly inherit a second, unpaid, high-stakes job — one that comes with strict legal duties and serious personal liability if anything goes wrong.

The law holds fiduciaries to an extraordinarily high standard. Even honest mistakes can lead to lawsuits from family members, penalties from the court, or IRS problems that follow you personally for years.

As Executor or Trustee, you are legally required to:

Act with undivided loyalty — putting beneficiaries’ interests ahead of your own (no exceptions)
Invest assets prudently under the “Prudent Investor Rule”
Properly classify and allocate income vs. principal
Locate and secure (marshal) all assets
Pay debts, expenses, and taxes in the correct order and on time
Prepare detailed inventories and formal accountings
Keep beneficiaries reasonably informed
File estate, trust, and income tax returns (often in multiple jurisdictions)
Defend or pursue claims on behalf of the estate/trust
Determine and document your own compensation correctly
Make final distributions exactly as the Will or Trust requires

Most people have never done this before. It routinely takes hundreds of hours spread over 12–24 months (or longer if things get complicated). During that time you’re grieving, managing your own family and career, and often fielding emotional questions or criticism from relatives who think everything should move faster or differently.

You don’t have to do this alone — and you probably shouldn’t.

Why Smart Executors and Trustees Choose Legacy Elder Law Center

Smart fiduciaries know that settling an estate or administering a trust isn’t just paperwork—it’s a complex legal and financial responsibility with real consequences. That’s why they partner with Legacy Elder Law Center. With more than 30 years of experience in probate, trust administration, and fiduciary dispute resolution, our team provides the clarity, protection, and step-by-step guidance executors and trustees need to do the job right. We help you avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant with Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. requirements, and keep the process moving efficiently from start to finish.

Executors and trustees also choose us because we make their burden lighter. We translate complex legal requirements into clear action items, coordinate directly with financial institutions, creditors, and beneficiaries, and anticipate issues before they become problems. Whether your goal is to prevent family conflict, protect your liability, or simply ensure the estate is handled correctly, our firm provides the structure, support, and seasoned judgment that smart fiduciaries rely on.

At The Legacy Elder Law Center, you don’t have to navigate probate alone—you gain a trusted partner who makes a difficult process significantly easier.

Schedule a Consultation

“They help good people through difficult times…”

Online Reviews

Legacy Elder Law Center4.7

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Rebecca Hoskins

26/03/27

Very professional and courtesy. Instilled confidence in me

Response from the owner:Thank you, we a pleased that we were able to instill confidence!

Jason Sapp

26/03/23

Steve Bingham was a huge help in assisting my family with selling my mother’s house after her passing. I am out of state and the house needed some work. We used his guidance to sell the house quickly and for more money than expected.

Response from the owner:Jason, thank you—I really appreciate you taking the time to write this.

I know handling everything from out of state, especially with a home that needed a lot of work, isn’t easy. I’m glad I could help guide you through it and get the property sold quickly with a better-than-expected result.

It was a privilege to work with you and your family during a difficult time. If you ever need anything in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Steve B.

John C.

26/03/19

My mother passed and ger affairs were in order. However, my siblings and I have little experience with probate and estates.

The staff at the Legacy Elder Law Center were excellent. Responsive, immediate appointment, superb job breaking down the process, which turned out to be easy for us. The main thing was it took time.

Special thanks to Rachael Watkins who stayed on top of things, explained everything thoroughly, and gently but persistently nudged the executor, ME, to get everything done. Thanks so much Legacy Elder Law Center!

Response from the owner:John,
We’re glad our team was able to make the probate process clear and manageable during a difficult time. It’s great to hear that Rachael provided the right balance of guidance and follow-up to help keep everything on track.

We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in us.

TZ1000

26/03/12

Excellent interview and experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you!

Regina McConnon

26/02/24

My mother and I reached out to Legacy Elder Law Center for legal services related to Medicaid and estate planning for my father. After our initial consultation with Eliz, we knew that we would be in good hands. Odalis was especially wonderful to work with. She was very knowledgeable and always responsive to our questions. We can't thank her enough for all of her work. We're still working with the firm for some additional guardianship and conservatorship issues, and the entire team has been great to work with.

Response from the owner:Regina, thank you for taking the time to share this. We know how overwhelming Medicaid planning and estate matters can feel, especially when they involve someone you love.

We’re so glad your initial meeting with Eliz gave you confidence moving forward, and we truly appreciate your kind words about Odalis.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting your family with the guardianship and conservatorship matters as well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything along the way.

Theresa Christopher

26/02/17

Legacy Law Group truly provides exceptional customer service. Rory's knowledge and professionalism immediately put our family at ease with our complicated guardianship/conservator case. It is very clear he understands the law inside and out. His team is excellent, especially Odalis who I have had the pleasure of working with regularly. She is quick to respond and if there is something she doesn't know, she is following up to find the answer. This team has made a stressful situation feel manageable. We appreciate all of their hard work!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Theresa, for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review.

We know that guardianship and conservatorship matters can feel overwhelming, especially when family dynamics and court requirements add layers of complexity. It means a great deal to us that Rory’s guidance helped put your family at ease and that you felt confident in his knowledge and professionalism.

We’re also so pleased to hear your kind words about Odalis. She takes great pride in being responsive, thorough, and making sure our clients feel supported every step of the way. I will be sure to share your comments with both of them and the entire team.

Thank you for trusting The Legacy Law Center during such an important time for your family. We truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Melissa Kaiser

26/02/10

Where to start! This law firm is FANTASTIC! As a child of elderly parents in the midst of an alarming legal situation dealing with their care, they were the only firm in town that 1. answered the phone and 2. connected me to someone who could help me right away. The person I worked with was Emily Wanchisn, a wonderful person and paralegal. She helped me interpret the legal documents that were signed by my parents, explained what my responsibilities and limitations were, and did it all with a kindness and compassion you don't find very often in the world these days. I was never once made to feel "crazy" which can happen when emotions are high. I hope someone reads this review and it informs their decision to hire this law firm. They are great and know their stuff!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us this thoughtful review. We are pleased that Emily was able to put you at some ease during trying times.

Jack Starry

26/02/06

From the first day, Legacy Elder has been transparent and communicative. Tyler was the gentleman we worked with, and he was compassionate, thorough and professional. I am very pleased with my experience with them.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share this kind review, Jack. We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback.

We’re glad to hear that transparency and communication stood out from the very beginning—that’s something we work hard to prioritize. Tyler will be especially grateful to know that his compassion, professionalism, and thorough approach made a positive difference for you.

Thank you for trusting The Legacy Elder Law Center with such an important matter. It means a great deal to us, and we’re always here if you need anything in the future.

Kathy Zeamer

26/01/23

Excellent session! Emily listened very well and responded with thoughtful questions that helped provide clarity for all.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share this, Kathy! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an excellent session. Emily truly cares about listening closely and asking the right questions to help bring clarity, and it’s wonderful to know that came through in your experience. We appreciate your kind words and the opportunity to work with you.