One of the most immense responsibilities for those left behind after the death of a loved one is settling the estate of the deceased. In most cases, the person who will oversee that process is the executor of the estate, which is the individual appointed either by the court or named in the decedent’s will. This can be a complicated undertaking, and it is helpful to know what to expect before moving forward with this process.
The personal representative
Essentially, the executor is the representative of the Tennessee estate. This person oversees the distribution of assets, settling remaining debts and more. Some of the specific responsibilities and obligations of the executor include the following:
- Obtain the death certificate
- File the appropriate paperwork with the probate court.
- Locate the decedent’s will
- Locate estate assets and ensure their security
- Pay remaining bills and taxes associated with the estate
The probate process and other aspects of closing an estate can be an immense and daunting responsibility. An executor may benefit from not only understanding what to expect from this process, but also to know how to avoid setbacks and complications along the way.
An assessment of legal needs
It may be helpful for an executor to seek the guidance of an experienced probate attorney. This can ensure he or she knows what to expect from the process and how to proceed in an efficient manner. Starting with an assessment of the individual estate and other details, an executor can gain a realistic understanding of what he or she will encounter moving forward.