A relative or friend may have asked you to be the executor of their estate. They trusted you to handle an important role, however, you may not know just what is being asked of you.
The executor of the estate handles the distribution and settling process of the deceased’s estate. To know what’s required of you, it may help you to read the following:
Collecting the will and submitting it to probate court
The first thing that’s required of you is to locate the testator’s will. The testator’s will includes instructions for how their estate should be settled according to their last wishes. You may have been privy as to where their last will and testament is located. Or, a copy may be located with the legal help that the testator used when drafting the will.
Once located, the will can be submitted to a probate court, which starts the probate process. Probate allows you to complete your duties as executor.
Getting multiple copies of the death certificate
Part of the duties as executor is obtaining multiple copies of the deceased’s death certificate. These copies are used to inform interested parties, such as banks, creditors, debt collectors and insurers of the testator’s passing. Copies of the death certificate may be obtained at a vital records office or funeral home.
Locating assets and beneficiaries
What most executors are known for is distributing assets from the testator’s estate. You may need to locate valuable assets, property investments and storage units that might be crucial for beneficiaries. Furthermore, you’ll need to contact beneficiaries. The testator may have a list to help you contact beneficiaries.
There’s a lot more you will have to do as executor before you can close the deceased testator’s estate. You may need to get legal help as you fulfill your duties as executor.