Probate & Estate Administration Paralegal

About the role

A growing law firm is seeking an experienced Probate & Estate Administration Paralegal to support attorneys in all aspects of estate administration, probate, estate planning, and fiduciary accounting matters. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a client-focused environment and can independently manage complex estate matters from initiation through final distribution.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file probate and estate administration petitions, pleadings, and supporting documents.
• Assist attorneys with estate administration, estate planning, elder law, trust administration, and related Surrogate's Court proceedings.
• Draft estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related instruments.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, guiding families through the probate and estate administration process with professionalism and compassion.
• Maintain communication with beneficiaries, fiduciaries, financial institutions, and court personnel.
• Track and reconcile estate bank accounts, investment accounts, debts, and distributions.
• Prepare estate inventories, asset valuations, and supporting financial documentation.
• Manage estate accounting functions, including: Tracking estate receipts, disbursements, and distributions; Reconciling financial records and account activity; Categorizing capital gains, losses, and expenses; Preparing informal and judicial fiduciary accountings for court filings and beneficiary review.
• Organize and maintain case files, deadlines, and probate court requirements.
• Support attorneys with guardianship matters and other related trust and estate proceedings as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in probate, estate administration, trust administration, or estate planning.
• Strong understanding of probate procedures, fiduciary accounting, and estate administration processes.
• Experience preparing probate petitions, estate inventories, accountings, and related court filings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong client