Probate proceedings can go on for many years. In fact, these proceedings can take away many precious years of an executor’s life. An executor is the one who is responsible for managing the administration of an estate of a deceased individual. The deceased person can name the executor in the will. However, if there is no will, the court can name the executor. The process of probate is not an easy task. A person has simply left for heaven and the next process is to decide the lawful inheritance. But this process can be irritatingly long.
The probate laws make sure that the executors get their due share of possessions. This is the reason why courts want to take their time to check every aspect. This is where the probate attorney comes into the picture. However, the executor can also help the attorney to fasten the process. Here are some tips for the executors to assist their attorneys in making the process fast and easy.
Make Sure To Collect The Necessary Documents
Every state has a different creditor claim period, which is the reason why you should work with a probate attorney. Once the creditor period gets over, the executor can file the accounting papers. Thus, it is the executor’s responsibility to collect the required documents. This will definitely assist the attorney to gauge the entire situation. The probate process requires some important documents to be submitted. These are detailed bank statements, death certificate copies, final will’s copy, deceased’s financial documents, and details of people who are a part of the will. Maintaining these papers properly would make sure that your attorney has less confusion and fewer questions to ask. Thus, it is advisable for an executor to make sure that all the documents are in the right place to make the probate process easier.
Make Efforts To Keep Your Records Up To Date
It is a known fact that every state has its own set of laws concerning the creditor’s claim period. This implies that you need to be aware of this period as per the state you are in. Only when this period is over, the state allows the executor to file the claims as well as accounts. Thus, probate attorneys advice executors to keep their records up to date to file the claims quickly as the creditor claim period gets over.
Respect The Deadlines
As per the probate laws, there are some deadlines to maintain for filing the related documents. However, many times, executors miss these deadlines thereby increasing the probate period. Well, this is not a good practice and should be avoided at any cost. Thus, if you as an executor wish to help your attorney to fasten the process, make sure to maintain your deadlines. Moreover, when you miss a deadline, it leaves a bad impression on your judge which can go against you.
Do Your Research Regarding Specialized Probate Attorney
Are you seeking a perfect probate attorney who can take over your case effectively? Well, do your research properly. Ask your acquaintances, friends, etc for the best probate attorney. However, one common mistake that executors make is that they can hire an attorney who can deal in estate planning majorly. And they do probate as a side gimmick. However, this is not a good thing to do because of the different assets that are left by people. While some people leave behind money, possessions,and land, some people lay down certain requirements to be met. Thus, always look for a specialized probate attorney who can deal with your case effectively.
Inform The Creditors Without Delay
Again the probate laws require that the creditors should get immediate information about the demise of the will’s owner. As per the law, the creditors have the permission to ask for their due payments anytime during the course of the case. This aspect can surely slow down the probate process. Thus, it is advisable to clear these payments as soon as possible to fasten the probate process. Every probate attorney would give you this advice and you can surely witness the fast pace once these claims are settled.
Final Words
The probate processes are known to run for long continuous years. This can have a toll on the deceased person’s family members and loved ones as well. However, the above-mentioned tips can help an executor in assisting the probate attorney in fastening the process. So, go through them and work to go through the process easily.
