An estate administrator takes on a very significant role after someone passes away. As that person’s estate goes through probate, the estate administrator (or “estate executor”) will facilitate this process.
Exactly what steps the estate administrator needs to take will depend on the unique details of the deceased’s estate plan. However, to understand the importance of this role, let’s take a quick look at three of the key tasks they will likely be responsible for.
1. Get copies of the official death certificate
First of all, they will need to get an official death certificate. This can be very useful. For instance, they may need to access a person’s financial accounts. They are authorized to do so by the estate plan when that person passes away, and the death certificate can be used to demonstrate that they should be granted access.
2. File the will and start probate
Next, the probate process only starts when the estate plan is filed with the probate court. In order to get things moving forward, the estate executor is responsible for doing so. At this time, they will gather together all of the documentation and review the estate plan, perhaps inventorying assets to ensure that everything is accounted for.
3. Communicate with beneficiaries and creditors
Finally, the estate executor will communicate with beneficiaries and distribute a copy of the estate plan. In many cases, a person who passes away still has some remaining debt, such as property taxes or credit card bills. As such, the executor can also work with creditors to settle these accounts.
These are just a few of the important steps the estate executor needs to take. It is important for family members and beneficiaries to know all about the legal process while going through probate.