Probate and Trust Administration Lawyers in Omaha
Trustworthy Representation Backed by Decades of Experience
Making sure you have all of the correct documentation signed and in place is just one part of ensuring your wishes are followed when you pass away. Equally important is the process of managing the administration and distribution of assets after a person passes away.
Our founding attorneys are both estate planning attorneys, well versed in estate law and backed by decades of experience. You can trust that your case is in good hands when you come to Burnett Wilson Law.
Looking to plan for your future? Contact the experienced Omaha probate and trust administration attorneys at Burnett Wilson Law online today!
What Is Probate and Why Is It Important?
Except in cases where the testator’s assets have been transferred to a trust prior to death and trust matters are handled by the designated Trustee, managing a testator’s estate usually starts with “probate.” Probate is the legal process through which a Will’s validity is determined and distribution of assets specified in the Will is carried out.
The first step in this administration process is the appointment, as specified in the Will, of a “Personal Representative” or “Executor” of the estate. This individual is in charge of all administration matters for the estate, including distribution of assets.
Probate also includes dealing with issues such as:
- Paying the deceased person’s debts
- And settling outstanding tax liabilities
Federal Estate Tax
It is important to recognize there are two types of taxes to address in the estate administration context. First is the federal “estate tax,” which only affects very large estates under current tax laws. The federal estate tax is seldom a concern since it applies only to estates valued over $11,400,000 (double that amount for a married couple).
State Inheritance Tax
Second is the state “inheritance tax,” which typically applies even to relatively small inheritances. The state inheritance tax rate is dependent on the degree of kinship between a deceased person and beneficiaries.
For instance, children of the deceased pay a much lower tax rate and get a larger exemption than do cousins or nonrelatives. Nebraska and Iowa are two of only six states that impose an inheritance tax. While Nebraska’s 18% inheritance tax for nonrelatives is the highest in the nation, some portions of inheritance received by family members are exempt from this tax.
Call (402) 810-8611 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced probate and trust lawyer in Omaha.



Families We've Helped
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“David Thompson with Burnett Wilson Law guided us professionally and kindly. He has consistently shown compassion and caring for our family’s well-being.”
- Greg J. -
“They were educational, patient, personable and extremely professional!”
- Shirley C. -
“They treated us with the utmost respect and professionalism and made a difficult situation easier for us than I expected. I would recommend them for estate planning, and will be using them for my wife and I when we set ours up.”
- Former Client