Duties Of The Personal Representative
A personal representative, also known as an executor, is the person ultimately responsible for resolving the questions of an estate. This can be a family member, a trusted friend or a designated entity, but no matter to whom the duty falls, it is important that all involved know what expectations they face. These are some of the duties of a personal representative:
Resolve Debts And Taxes
The personal representative of the estate must find the debts and tax liabilities, consolidate them and then pay them off as soon as possible. If they are not it can delay distribution or cause disruptions during probate administration.
Tie Up Loose Ends
When a person dies there are many legal strings left that the personal representative must tie. They will file paperwork with banks, the Social Security office or any other entity that requires notification. They make the necessary arrangements with probate court and follow any and all court orders.
Contact All The Beneficiaries
If it has not been taken care of already, the personal representative must reach out to any and all beneficiaries. This will require researching the will or the court-ordered estate distribution, and making necessary phone calls or sending official letters. Contact with grieving people is always difficult, and this may be the hardest job of the personal representative.
You Are Not Alone In Your Responsibilities
Being a personal representative is a special honor, and you can feel overwhelmed by the duties that come with closing the outstanding matters of a person’s life. You do not have to face these challenges alone. Swiren Law Firm, P.A., is a firm with more than 50 years of experience working in Florida probate and estate planning law.
Our team of lawyers will work with you to help manage make the right choices for the estate. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation at our Orlando office by calling 407-287-5137 or toll free 877-806-7949, or using this email form.