When a loved one passes away, their estate will usually have to go through the estate administration process were the deceased’s assets are managed and distributed in a process overseen by the probate court. Every estate is unique and provides its own challenges, but most involve these steps:
- Filing the Petition with the Probate Court
- Providing Notice to the Heirs
- Inventory of the estate
- Paying the debts to rightful creditors
- Payment of estate taxes (if applicable)
- Final distribution of assets to heirs
Whether it is how to handle a challenge to the stay, creditors, or an unusual asset there, are usually various legal questions that arise through the process. Working with an attorney can help minimize potential liability and stress to the executor should an error be made in the estate administration process.