You probably felt honored when a friend or family member asked you to perform estate executor duties after their death. Hopefully, you gave the matter considerable thought before agreeing to take on this critical role.
A position as an estate executor comes with many responsibilities and challenges. If you have never filled this role in the past, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed by the magnitude of your duties. Try not to worry about it because we have some tips to help you make a good start.
Increase your knowledge
One of the first things to do after the estate owner dies is to learn more about estate administration under California law. For example, take some time to study the state probate code. If the estate goes through probate, you will appreciate knowing more about the process.
Contact the immediate family
Take some time to check on the immediate family of the decedent. They will be grateful to see that you are serious about your administration duties. If the deceased had pets, make sure they are sheltered and under someone’s care.
Notify all interested parties
Aside from family members, you need to notify business associates, financial institutions and other involved parties that the person has died early on. Be sure to inform any beneficiaries that are not part of the deceased’s immediate family about their death.
Make lists to track your duties
Lists can be of great help when administering an estate. They allow you to keep track of each administration duty you execute and check it off your list. They can also ensure you do not overlook any matters of importance.
The suggestions here are far from exhaustive, but they can help you get started with your duties. If you encounter trouble meeting your responsibilities, do not be afraid to ask an estate planning professional for guidance.
