Picking
Probate, and settling a parent's estate
When a parent dies, someone has to gather what they left, pay what's owed and hand on the rest. I do the court side so you can do the family side.
Most of the people who call me about probate are the grown child named as executor, often living a long drive away. Some estates need the court; many need only a few filings, or none.
I start by finding out which kind yours is, and I tell you the fee and the likely timeline before you sign anything.
What I handle
Opening the estate with the court
Notice to creditors and to the heirs
The inventory, and selling or passing on the house
Final tax returns, with your accountant
Closing the estate and handing out what's left
The first month after a death
You don't have to do it all at once. These are the things that matter early.
- 01
Step 1: Find the will, and the original
A copy may not be enough for the court. Check the desk, the safe and the lawyer who wrote it.
- 02
Step 2: Keep the house going
Keep paying the power, the insurance and the mortgage until we know who's responsible.
- 03
Step 3: Don't sell or give anything away yet
Not the truck, not the tools, not the jewelry. Wait until someone has the authority to.
- 04
Step 4: Order several death certificates
Banks, insurers and the county each want their own.
What executors ask me
Does every estate go through probate?
No. Accounts with a named beneficiary, property in a trust and some small estates pass without it. We sort out which is which at the first meeting.
How long does it take?
A simple estate often takes several months; one with a house to sell or a dispute takes longer. I'll give you an honest range once I've seen what's there.
I live out of state. Can I still be the executor?
Often, yes. Most of it can be done by phone, mail and email, and I can sign for some steps where the law allows.
Call before you call the bank
A short talk now can save months later. Tell me what happened and I'll tell you what comes first.