Once you have finalized your estate plan, you will have to choose an individual to act as the administrator of your estate. This position comes with great responsibility. It is important that you choose carefully. Before your decision is made, it is recommended that you do some research and reach out to an experienced attorney. Continue reading to learn what a personal representative does and how our experienced Maryland estate planning attorney can assist you. If you have any additional questions about this process, do not hesitate to contact our firm. We would be happy to guide you through this process.
What responsibilities does a personal representative have?
After you pass, your representative will carry out their duties. You must pick someone you know will be cable of these responsibilities and that you trust, especially in a time of grief. Some of the responsibilities a personal representative must do to complete the process of closing the estate are as follows:
- They must file your will with the Register of Will in the county where you resided.
- They must file a petition for probate with the Orphan’s Court if applicable.
- They must publish a statement in the local newspaper that will instruct anyone who has a claim made against you to do so now.
- They must create a record of all of your beneficiaries, assets, and remaining creditors.
- They must take an inventory including the assets and their appraised values.
- They must ensure all outstanding state, federal, and estate taxes are filed.
- They must distribute all assets to beneficiaries listed in your will.
- They must handle all contested matters of asset distribution amongst heirs.
- They must file a Certificate of Compliance to close your estate.
Your personal representative must coordinate with all parties that play a role in closing your estate including your trustee, financial planner, attorneys, beneficiaries, creditors, and accountants. It is crucial that you chose a personal representative who is competent, trustworthy, and prepared to take on these important responsibilities. If you are beginning this process and need assistance in choosing a personal representative, look no further than our Maryland estate planning attorney who has experience assisting clients just like you. Our legal team is prepared to guide you through the process, one step at a time. Give our firm a call today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
Contact our experienced Montgomery County, Maryland firm
The attorneys at JD Katz have years of experience compassionately guiding clients in Maryland through the estate planning and administration process. Our firm also has experience with matters of elder law, business law, tax law, and litigation. For a legal team that will put your needs first, contact JD Katz today.
