You lost a beloved family member, you’re grieving, and now you found out you’re the executor of the will. Executors are much more than figureheads. The title comes with a lot of responsibility.
Are you afraid to handle the responsibility yourself? Are you wondering what the responsibility entails? You do have an alternative, and that’s to hire a probate lawyer.
In this article, we’ll discuss executor responsibilities and six reasons to hire a probate lawyer.
1. Overwhelming Responsibility
Even if it’s not wholly unexpected, the death of a loved one is difficult and often overwhelming. An executor’s duty is to handle the deceased’s estate.
As executor, you have a fiduciary duty to handle everything in a way that is best for the entire estate. It’s not easy dealing with that type of responsibility, and some people find it intimidating. If someone else feels you haven’t acted in the best interest of the estate, it’s possible you’ll find yourself entangled in a lawsuit.
Hiring a lawyer is one of the best ways of ensuring you handle your duties properly.
2. Unsure of Your Fiduciary Duties
A probate lawyer is a great option if you’re unsure of your fiduciary duties. Hiring an attorney helps you get through the executor’s duties with confidence, because if you don’t understand something, you’ll have a trusted partner who understands the process.
Are you in South Carolina? Are you wondering about your fiduciary duties? You can find answers at parkerlawsc.com.
3. Claim Prevention
It’s unfortunate, but sometimes being the executor means making unpopular choices. Some heirs may not like the way you’re handling the estate.
Probate law is complex, and a probate lawyer understands the subtle nuances. They can help you navigate your choices in a way that prevents other heirs from filing a claim against the estate.
4. Dealing with Estate Debts
It’s common for someone to die while still owing money on some debts. Those debts are paid out of the deceased’s estate. As executor, it’s up to you to figure this out.
Some basic duties include filing and paying taxes, paying off personal loans, and handling funeral expenses. This all comes out of the estate, but that sometimes means understanding a complex financial situation.
5. Avoid Family Conflicts
Another good reason to think about your lawyer options is to avoid family conflicts. Well-meaning family members may want to help you, but that doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing.
If you don’t allow the family to help, they may feel like you’re hiding something. When a probate lawyer steps in, it reduces family conflict.
6. Shorten the Process
If you don’t handle the probate documents correctly, the court may reject them. That means starting the process over, which takes more time. A lawyer knows how to handle the documents right the first time.
Do You Need a Probate Lawyer?
Only you can answer that question. If the probate process intimidates you or you don’t have a lot of spare time, or you’re worried about other family members, hiring a probate lawyer is a good idea.
Are you looking for more legal tips? Check out some of the other articles on our blog.
