Helping You Fulfill Your Duties As An Executor
Being named the executor of an estate can result in mixed emotions. On the one hand, it is an honor knowing that someone you cared about trusted you enough to oversee the administration of their estate. On the other hand, it is a significant responsibility, and the stress of ensuring everything is carried out correctly can feel overwhelming. The good news is this is not an undertaking that you have to carry out on your own. A lawyer who is skilled in estate administration can help guide you through this process and ensure your duties are properly performed.
At the John Edwards Law Group, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated to helping people throughout Georgia with probate and estate administration. We can let you know what you can expect in your role as executor and are here to help you along every step of the way.
Disposition Of Property And Possessions
One of the primary duties of an executor is handling the distribution of the assets of an estate. This may be done according to instructions laid out in a will or, if there is no will, according to the law of succession. In some cases, the executor may be responsible for selling some of the estate, including real property. In these cases, an executor is not entitled to receive proceeds from the sale. However, he or she is entitled to a reasonable fee for administering the will.
More Specific Duties
An executor’s role goes beyond distributing an estate’s assets. There are more specific duties that an executor must carry out as part of the estate administration, including:
- Securing assets until they can be distributed to the estate’s heirs or beneficiaries
- Contacting those who are named in a will
- Determining whether an estate needs to pass through probate
- Paying any outstanding debts and final income taxes from the proceeds of the estate
- Finalizing other affairs such as closing bank accounts, contacting the Social Security office, etc.
Although this can feel like a lot to take on, especially so soon after losing a loved one, know that you were entrusted with carrying out these affairs, and we are available to provide you with the legal assistance you need.
Contact Us For Help With Estate Administration
If you have questions concerning your role as an executor, speak with us. Call our law offices in Canton at 770-628-1100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.