The death of a parent is one of the hardest things a person can go through. Whether the passing was coming or sudden, it does not lesson the impact on your life. If one or both parents named you as an executor in their will, you must act following their passing. Being an executor in a will is an important, time-consuming responsibility. However, the road can be turn out easy with the right help and information.
What Does an Executor Do When the Death of a Parent Occurs?
An executor is a person who is named in a will to serve as the representative of an estate. The executor will be responsible for all tasks regarding the probate process. The first step of this process is to communicate with probate court and gather the correct documents. These documents include a probate petition, death certificate, and a valid will. Once all of the documents are ready, the next step is to file a petition to the court. Once filed, setting a court appointment once the family or other interested parties (heirs, etc.) consent is next.
The next step in probate is to notify all interested parties of the current probate process. You should give notification to any heirs or interested party. An interested party usually is a relative but can also be a friend who wants to know what is happening. The courts will require the sending of two different notices. The first is a notice that a petition has been submitted; the second is a notice that the court appointment is being made.
Next Steps After a Death of a Parent
The next steps as according to California Courts are to:
- Change the legal name of assets
- Paying creditors, taxes, expenses, and heirs
- Reporting to the court and closing the estate.
When transferring property for probate, you will need to all assets all assets from the deceased’s name to the estate itself. The new name should be the “estate of.” All assets with this name should be transferred which can include bank accounts, investments, property etc. If property is in play, then a title/deed transfer will also be necessary.
When paying debts, it is important to ensure that there is enough to cover all expenses first. The estate should cover funeral expenses, taxes, estate expenses, and inheritances. Once all appropriate expenses and parties are current, it is time to report to the court and close the estate. To do this, the court requests proof that all expenses were paid, and all assets were gathered. After this long and emotional road, your parent’s wish is now complete.
Let ProSe Legal Help Ease the Burden
The loss of a parent is never easy and the pain that ensues is difficult to deal with. The loss makes any task that should be done near impossible to complete alone. Let our ProSe Legal expert LDAs help by completing the tedious probate documentation for you. Our LDAs will save you the time, stress, and money so you can focus on what matters most to you.
today or call (909) 224-4361 to schedule your next appointment with our professional LDAs at any of our locations across the Inland Empire!
