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SETTLING AN ESTATE

Executor Steps:

Step 1 - If previously named, the Executor will take charge. In absence of an appointed Executor, the family will select an attorney to petition the court to appoint an Executor. If there are disagreements, the process quickly becomes very expensive, yet may take years to resolve.

Step 2 - The probate lawyer, or the petitioner arranges to mail notices to everyone named in the decedent’s Will (when there is a Will) and all his/her legal heirs about the death and the probate hearing. (probate hearings are not necessary for estate settled under trust agreements)

The notice must also be published in the newspaper where the decedent lived to let creditors know about the hearing. Notice gives everyone notified an opportunity to object to admitting the Will and to the appointment of the personal representative.

Step 3 - The hearing usually takes place several weeks after the matter is filed. The purpose of the hearing is to determine the validity of the Will and to appoint the personal representative. Sometimes, the Court will need the people who witnessed the decedent's signature on the Will to sign a declaration. If there are no objections, the court will approve the petition and appoint the personal representative.

Step 4 - The personal representative must identify, take possession of, and manage the probate assets until all debts have been paid and tax returns filed. This process usually takes about a year.

Depending on the terms of the Will (if there is a Will), and on the amount of the decedent's debts, the personal representative may have to sell real estate, securities or other property.

For example, if the Will makes cash gifts but the estate consists mostly of valuable artwork, the art may have to be appraised and sold to produce cash. Or, if there are unpaid debts, the personal representative may have to sell some of the estate property to pay them.

Step 5 - After paying the debts and taxes, the personal representative must file a report with the court. The report accounts for all income received and payments made on behalf of the estate. The judge will then authorize the personal representative to divide the remaining property among the people or organizations named in the Will.

Step 6 - The property will be transferred to its new owners.