QUESTION
Need help with Executor Duties of a Probated Estate
Asked on Jan 17th, 2015 on Wills and Probate - Georgia
More details to this question:
Is there some one that can help me with the ins and out of the probate process? I need guidance on how to accomplish my tasks as an Executor. Which bills have priority? How do I address taxes of the deceased that may have or have not been completed for the last couple of years. I am unsure of what items fall under the estate so how do I know the value of the estate for tax purposes? I live out of state from the estate. Are there certain responsibilites I must be present for in the area of the estate? I have the probate letter but I keep meeting issues with the bank of the deceased's checking account. Is there any references that I can inform the bank about so I can move forward in paying the debts? Assistance is greatly appreciated.
1 ANSWER
4 Awards
Ideally, you should consult an experienced estate and probate attorney who is licensed in the state where the estate is located. If you believe that you can't afford an attorney, then you should try to find other resources. In Georgia, gaprobate.org is a website that contains probate court forms and other information, including a useful guide called "Duties of Personal Representatives of Estates in Georgia." Some probate courts in Georgia (notably Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett, but maybe others) have programs operated in conjunction with other organizations to provide some legal assistance to people who have probate court matters in that court but either can't afford or don't have an attorney helping them. You may be able to find out about any such programs by contacting the court, a local bar association, or a legal aid program in the area. You may also be able to find some resources online to help guide you through, such as other answers on this website or on other forums such as Avvo.com. However, please do consider hiring someone, if only for a consultation. There are a lot of traps for the unwary in estate administrations, and having someone on your side to actively help you discover and avoid those is a good idea.
Answered on Jan 22nd, 2015 at 12:48 PM
This answer is being provided as general information and not as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by this answer.