Are You Feeling Overwhelmed By Probate And Estate Responsibilities?
If you are the executor of an estate or the adult child of a deceased parent, you probably have a multitude of questions about what to do and how to do it. Even for a modest estate, the amount of work and the complexity involved can be overwhelming.
At Lerman Law Associates, P.C., our probate attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to manage probate and estate matters in an efficient, timely manner.
You Do Not Have To Do This Alone
It is commonplace for an executor to live hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their loved one who has passed. The distance, even in today’s wired world, can make it impossible for the executor to fulfill their administrative responsibilities.
That is where our attorneys can help.
We have the knowledge and experience needed to organize and complete the tasks that are necessary for probate or estate administration. This can include:
- Transfer of property ownership
- Taxes
- Guardianships
- Will contests and other disputes
- Disbursements
Plus, we know you want the work to be completed in a prompt, efficient manner. That is what we will do.
Frequently Asked Probate Questions
Clients often have questions about probate and estate administration, and our probate attorneys can help give you answers. Some common questions we receive include:
What are my responsibilities as an executor?
As an executor, your primary responsibilities include collecting the decedent’s assets and inventorying them, settling any owed debts or taxes, and dispersing the remaining assets to any beneficiaries in the will. You will likely need to also settle any financial affairs, which can involve opening an estate bank account and maintaining accurate records throughout the probate process.
Do we have to go through probate?
Probate is often necessary to legally transfer ownership of assets between parties. Some assets may be able to bypass probate, like assets in a trust or life insurance with a designated beneficiary. A skilled probate attorney can help you through these challenges.
Should I set up a bank account for the estate?
Yes, setting up a separate bank account for the estate is advisable. By having an account exclusively for the estate’s funds, including proceeds from asset sales and debt settlements, you can keep better track of that money and make the probate process much simpler for everyone.
What should I do with bills and creditors?
As an executor, you are responsible for notifying creditors of the passing and paying any remaining debts from the estate. Be sure to keep thorough records of these payments and communicate with creditors to settle these debts appropriately.
How should I pay the mortgage?
The mortgage should be paid from any funds in the estate to shield it from foreclosure or penalties. If there are not enough funds to pay these expenses, your attorney can help you explore other options for what to do with the estate, including selling it or refinancing it.
What should I do with the deceased’s social media accounts?
Each social media platform has a process for closing the accounts of a deceased user. In many cases, you will need to produce a death certificate to prove the passing and justify closing the account.
How To Contact Lerman Law Associates, P.C.
We pride ourselves on the probate and estate work we do for clients in Cobb County, Fulton County and the greater metro Atlanta area. No matter how big or small the estate, we will manage its affairs in a timely manner. Contact us online or call 678-888-5773. We have offices in Alpharetta and Kennesaw.