Here are 5 simple tips to keep in mind when a loved one has passed away and you have been named the representative of the estate.
- Hire an Attorney – When an estate goes through probate, the law requires that certain legal procedures be followed in a timely manner. You should hire an attorney at the beginning of the process not months later when statutory deadlines are approaching or have passed.
- Get Multiple Death Certificates – Ask the funeral home director for at least 10 death certificates. You will need to provide an original death certificate to notify banks, life insurers, Social Security Administration and others about the death of your loved one.
- Locate the Will – In Pennsylvania, the best place to keep a Will is in a safety deposit box at a bank. The bank statements of a loved one will list if they had a safety deposit box. The next place to look would be at your loved one’s home.
- Get Appointed – Become the legally appointed representative of the estate. This is not a difficult process but a necessary step in administering a loved ones estate.
- Protect Estate Assets – If the person who died has a house, car, boat or other assets you must take immediate steps to protect those assets and make sure they are properly insured.
Contact the attorneys at Washington & Washington now to help you administer your loved one’s estate. We know this process can be confusing for family members. We are here to help answer your questions and assist through this process.