What is an executor (personal representative) and what do they do?
Whether or not you have a validly executed Will, your estate will go through Probate to the extent that you die owning assets in your name. “Probate” is the legal process through which a deceased person’s affairs are formally settled. First, an attorney must be retained to open up an estate w/ the court. A person is then appointed to administer the estate, who is often called a Personal Representative or Executor. The Personal Representative works with the attorney and is responsible for overseeing the entire process, beginning with locating a validly executed will. The Personal Representative must then identify and gather all the deceased person’s assets, file an inventory with the court and notify the deceased’s creditors of the pending estate. It’s a lot of work. Next, assets are then pooled together and used to satisfy creditors’ claims. Finally, the balance of assets are ultimately distributed to the proper beneficiaries, who – as you now know from the crash course on wills – are determined by the will or may be decided for you by the state in which you reside. Yes, an attorney is required to administer an estate in probate. *Please note that a will does not avoid probate. A properly drafted and executed estate plan will remove all assets from your name and provide for a smooth transition for your family not only after death (avoiding probate), but in the event you become incapacitated from injury or illness (guardianship). It’s a no-brainer for both financial as well as emotional reasons. Personal Representatives or Executors are responsible for administering the estate through Probate. They must retain an attorney and perform the functions mentioned above. They are fiduciaries and are held personally liable for breaching their duty. “Planning with Purpose,” Haimo Law (HaimoLaw.com) can help you plan for and protect your family and your business’s interests for the immediate and long-term future. Together, we can take advantage of incredible tools and techniques that are available to you right now. Call us for wills, trusts, probate, asset protection and business planning. Haimo Law offers premium professional representation at an affordable price. Alternative fee arrangements are available upon request. We are reliable, approachable, honest, hard-working and attentive. Helping your family and business is our priority. We look forward to meeting and exceeding your expectations.
Author:
Barry E. Haimo, Esq.
Haimo Law
Strategic Planning With Purpose
Email: barry@haimolaw.com
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