I'm an Executor! Now What?

By Cheryl David
If someone close to you has named you the executor of their will, you've been appointed to a position of great honor and responsibility. Unfortunately, you may not understand quite what you've committed to until after you've started the process. Now that it's time for you to fulfill your duties, you're likely experiencing a jumble of emotions, including trepidation at dealing with an unfamiliar legal process. You are likely also still mourning the loss of your loved one, which can make the task of serving as Executor seem all the more challenging.

The first and most important step in settling your loved one's estate is to find an experienced and trustworthy probate attorney. The Law Offices of Cheryl David has over 23 years of experience in dealing with this process. We have a system in place to assure that everything is done efficiently and correctly. Otherwise, you may be personally liable for all mistakes.

A good probate attorney will help you demystify the probate process, guide you through your duties, step-by-step, and can also help you identify and avoid potential conflicts in order to reach the best possible resolution for any problems that might arise during the probate process.

Generally, here's what you'll do as an Executor:

1. File the Will, along with the appropriate court documents, with the Probate Court, in order to begin the probate process.

2. Notify the beneficiaries of the Will that the probate process has begun.

3. Notify any creditors of the estate that the probate process has begun.

4. Inventory, secure, and manage the assets of the estate.

5. Determine the value of the estate assets.

6. Identify and pay legitimate claims against the estate. Defend the estate against illegitimate claims.

7. Pay any taxes due.

8. Once all taxes and debts of the estate are paid, distribute the remaining estate assets according to the terms of the Will and in compliance with state law.

You'll likely have many questions about what needs to be done in your specific situation and you may not know who to turn to for reliable information. Rest assured, we will be there to help you with any concerns and can make this difficult process much easier on you. Make your appointment with us the first step in the probate process, and we'll help you do the rest. Call us: (336) 547-9999.