Probate First Steps
So, have you been declared the personal representative of an estate or you believe you will be? Where do you start? Now that you know what probate is and what to expect during the process, let’s discuss the Probate first steps.
Hi, my name is Paula Quinn with RE/MAX Central. And during the many years that I’ve been selling homes, I’ve dealt with quite a few homes with probate over those years.
Your first step will be go to family and probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. This is where you’ll file the will, along with a copy of the death certificate and a petition to be formally appointed as the personal representative.
Once you’ve done this, you will receive letters when your request is approved, and these letters are proof of your legal authority to collect and manage the estate’s assets. Now, keep in mind that it can take up to several weeks or more, especially right now, for you to receive your letters. Your responsibility as personal representative is to collect, inventory and protect the assets of the estate and pay valid debts and taxes.
So after the debts and taxes have been paid, you will distribute the remaining property as the will directs. In this process, you will want to have a strong team of professionals available to help you through the process, a good probate attorney, a tax professional, and if the estate includes real estate, a strong Realtor can help make the process so much easier for you as the personal representative.
Also, always be sure to seek the advice of a lawyer or an attorney, as I am not one, but simply giving helpful information.
I’m Paula Quinn with RE/MAX Central. And remember, I want you to love where you live.