Being named an executor in the deceased’s will can feel overwhelming. What do you need to know? What needs to be done? What should you do first? Where can you turn for help?
Even as a law school graduate, I quickly discovered that working through the administration of the estate of a loved one for the first time was challenging. A Probate lawyer brings knowledge and experience to help you navigate through the process from beginning to end.
What is Probate?
The word Probate entered into English from the Latin word meaning “being proved good”. We use it to refer to the court process by which a will is proved valid or invalid. Most banks, land transfers, and many other parties require this step before an executor can complete their task.
If a person dies without a will (intestate) then the court needs to appoint someone to administer the estate. This is much more complicated (everyone should have a will, and if you don’t get the process started here)
What Do I Do as the Executor?
An Executor is an executor by virtue of the will. You will take a new title once the Will has been probated, or a grant of administration has been given. The person(s) recognized, or appointed by the court are known in law as Personal Representatives (the “PR”s) of the Deceased.
The PR, once recognized, is responsible not only for managing their own lives, as usual, but also for managing the estate (or property) of the deceased! Think about it. You have to pay all their bills (if you can find them). You have to settle all their debts and collect on their loans. Then you have to sell their real estate (think how stressful selling your last home was!).
You want to do a good job. You want to get this done promptly and respect the legacy of your loved one. If you could use a guide to walk you through this process, I’d love to talk to you. Give us a call, or fill out a contact form today, to engage an experienced guide to get you through this challenging time: