The First 4 Steps an Executor Should Take During the Estate Administration Process

Serving as an executor of an estate is both an honor and a serious responsibility. To effectively carry out this role, it’s important to approach the estate administration process methodically. Here are the first four steps to guide you through the initial stages.

1. Take a Moment for Yourself
   When drafting their Will, people generally appoint a trusted loved one to serve as executor. If you were close to the individual who has passed away after leaving you in charge of administering their estate, it is important to remember that you are allowed to grieve, even as you take on this important role. Recognizing your own feelings and processing them in a healthy fashion is crucial. Remember, you are not alone in this process.
2. Obtain the Death Certificate
   One of the first steps to take as executor is to secure multiple certified copies of the decedent’s death certificate. These documents are essential for notifying financial institutions, government agencies, and other parties about the death. You’ll need them to initiate the probate process and manage the decedent’s assets.
3. Locate the Will and File for Probate
   If the deceased had a Will, it’s your duty to locate it and file it with the Surrogate’s Court in the county where they resided. This process, called Probate, validates the Will and grants you the legal authority to act as executor. If no Will exists, the estate will be administered according to New York State intestacy laws.
4. Hire an Estate Administration Attorney
   Navigating the legal complexities of estate administration can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced estate administration attorney can make the process smoother and more efficient. They can assist with filing court documents, notifying beneficiaries, and assist with ensuring all legal obligations, such as tax filings and creditor notifications, are met. MCV Law has years of experience guiding executors through this process at the local level, and we treat every Probate case with the highest level of care and attention to detail to ensure a seamless and legally sound transfer of assets.

By following these initial steps and seeking professional guidance early, you can give yourself confidence and a strong head start on your path to fulfilling your duties as an executor. Our attorneys can help you accomplish your responsibility to ensure that the decedent’s wishes are honored. We are here to help you as a readily accessible resource throughout this process, and welcome you to connect with our office for a free initial consultation.

You are not alone. We’re here to help.

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