Executors of estates are often close relatives of the deceased persons, and may not familiar with the tasks involved. In fact, the prospects may seem overwhelming, but estate administrators in Florida need not despair because legal guidance is available. The primary responsibility of the executor of a will revolves around the management of the deceased’s financial obligations. The responsibilities include asset distribution as directed by the will.
The executor is often responsible for maintaining estate property until offer for sale. Payments for taxes and bills of the estate will also be the responsibility of the executor. If the estate calls for the property to be maintained and not sold, the estate administrator must oversee the caretaker and ensure payment of that person’s salary, if applicable.
Responsibilities also include managing the liabilities and other assets of the estate. Depending on the estate’s complexity, this can be a tough challenge. There may be many unanswered questions about the necessary steps to take — and when to take them.
Asking for guidance with these unfamiliar processes is only natural, especially if the appointed executor has never been burdened with similar responsibilities. An experienced Florida estate planning attorney can provide support and guidance for the administration of any estate, even those that may appear to be relatively straightforward. The surviving family members of the deceased person will likely keep a close eye on the management of any inheritances. It can be a significant advantage for the executor to act alongside a seasoned attorney in addressing and settling estate administration issues.
Source: FindLaw, “What You Need to Know as a Will Executor“, Ephrat Livni, Accessed on Jan. 23, 2017