from The Happy Lawyer NC
You’re not alone!
Estate Administration
Knowledgeable, caring
Estate administration is the process of legally distributing all of someone’s possessions upon their death. An executor is the person who someone designates, in their will, to manage this process.
An estate isn’t just something that wealthy people have. An estate is made up of everything someone owns at the time of their passing — any real estate, investments or 401k holdings, vehicles, jewelry, electronics and more. It’s all included as a part of their estate.
Through the process of estate administration:
The executor will identify and use available funds from the estate to pay any debts, like credit cards, loans or mortgages.
If there isn’t enough money available, assets will need to be sold in order to raise them.
Possessions are distributed to heirs named in a will.
What are an Executor’s responsibilities?
Finalize affairs related to the deceased’s financial and legal status — which might include closing credit cards, notifying the bank, Social Security Administration, and other entities.
Handle financial payments, such as paying off debts and taxes, and keeping a home mortgage up to date until its sold or transferred to a designated beneficiary.
Distribute property in accordance with the will
File the will in probate court
Decide if probate will be necessary
Gather estate assets, and ensure they are safe and secure until they can be distributed according to what’s laid out in the will (this includes documents, but also possessions).
Find and notify those people named in the will.
As you can see, being an executor is just about a full-time job, often lasting for many months. Even when someone leaves a well-planned will and thorough estate plan, it’s a challenge.
Working with an experienced estate administration attorney right here in Garner can be a huge relief.
Estate administration is a big undertaking at the best of times… but you don’t have to go it alone.
Get step-by-step help from your expert friend in Garner estate administration
Executors are often loved ones – which is wise. Unfortunately most have NO experience with such a complicated process! Our mission is to provide clients with expert handling of the estate, paired with the compassionate service of a good friend.
Even when an estate is simple, handling the details gets quite complex, with multiple organizations and government bodies involved, (and sometimes unanticipated family conflicts brewing). And of course, then there are all those legal documents and rules galore!
When you’re not familiar with all these steps, it’s easy to feel stressed — and if you’re experiencing the added strain of grief and/or potential family conflicts, its downright overwhelming!
You don’t have to go through this journey alone.
Our team has been handling Estate Administration in Garner, Clayton, Smithfield and surrounding areas for years. In particular our clients appreciate having help they can trust for:
Filing paperwork quickly and efficiently.
Receiving expert counsel to help ensure legal decisions are made based on full and accurate information — protecting your interests in the event your choices are challenged or leave you liable.
Helping you protect the estate during the administration process, including details like taxes and liquidation of assets.