When dealing with deep emotions in the aftermath of a loved one’s death, the last thing you want to think about is complex financial and legal concerns. However, if you were named the executor of someone’s estate, it means they trusted you to keep a level head while you oversee the management of their hard-earned assets and the distribution of property to their beneficiaries.
The legal process of administering a person’s estate after their passing is known as probate. It typically can last from six months to a year. As an executor, your job will be gathering and preserving assets, closing and opening bank accounts, paying off creditors, locating beneficiaries, paying estate taxes and otherwise carrying out the terms of the will.
Although the process can be lengthy and involve a lot of paperwork, probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some common estate administration mistakes that can make probate costlier and more complex than it needs to be:
Because there is so much at stake during the probate process, trying to handle everything yourself can be exhausting and can often lead to problems. Hiring a seasoned estate administration lawyer can help you complete the probate process efficiently and successfully and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
At The Sterling Law Group, A P.C., based in Roseville and Sacramento, our estate administration attorneys have years of experience navigating the California probate process. To schedule an appointment, call 916-790-9202 or contact us online.