As the executor of an estate, you are responsible for overseeing the estate’s distribution. Essentially, you will be wrapping up affairs for the deceased. This can include paying taxes and debts, as well as transferring belongings to entitled family members. It can be an overwhelming task, especially if your loved one’s estate is complicated.
What are the Tasks of an Executor?
As executor, it’s important you familiarize yourself with the legal side of things. You will need to read up on the probate process and begin going through any legal paperwork left behind.
The duties of an executor can vary vastly depending on the size and complexity of the estate. In short, you need to recover assets and manage them until they are transferred to inheritors. But there are many more steps along the way:
- Filing a copy of the will with a local probate court
- Notifying government agencies, banks, and credit card companies of the death
- Filing an inventory of the estate’s assets
- Determining if probate is necessary
- Paying debts and taxes of the estate
- Representing the estate in court
Probate Court and Contested Wills
If all goes well, you should be able to manage and distribute the assets as planned. Although, you should take into consideration potential speed bumps along the way.
If the probate court you’ve filed the will with is disorganized or behind, you may find yourself waiting a year to distribute the estate. Similarly, if there is a family disagreement about the will, you may find it contested.
How An Estate Planning Attorney Can Help
The good news is, no matter how complex an estate, typically an estate planning attorney that deals with probate can help. Losing a loved one is complex and confusing by itself. If you need help dealing with the legal side of things, call us today: 912-352-3999