As part of estate planning Phoenix residents have the right to name someone a personal representative to their will. If you have been named someone’s personal representative, you may have questions about what this means. Particularly after a loved one has just passed away, you may find it difficult to complete your usual duties let alone extra responsibilities related to your position. This duty requires organization and ethics. Learn what you can expect if you’ve been named someone’s personal representative.
What is a Personal Representative for a Will?
While estate planning Phoenix adults can appoint a personal representative in their will. This individual must:
- File a petition for probate
- Distribute the decedent‘s assets according to court order
- Maintain the property until the estate is settled
- Pay any bills or taxes owed on the estate while the probate process unfolds
- Identify and settle the decedent’s debts
- Prepare and file the decedent’s income and estate taxes
- Invest the estate’s assets until such time as they can be distributed to beneficiaries
- Distribute assets to estate beneficiaries when all other duties have been completed
Who Can Be a Personal Representative for a Will?
Sometimes, you can become a personal representative even if you were not named as such in the decedent’s will. Surviving spouses are often called upon to serve as personal representatives, as are adult children of the decedent.
More than one individual can share the position of personal representative. For example, a Phoenix adult may appoint his two adult children to serve as personal representatives together.
If you are tasked with this duty while grieving the death of a loved one, you may feel overwhelmed and unprepared. If there was drama in the family, being the personal representative can put you in the middle of squabbles regarding the estate. At such times, it is helpful to have a skilled attorney advising you.
If you are someone’s personal representative, you can seek an estate planning Phoenix attorney to walk you through the process and make sure that all of the details are attended to correctly. At MBPG, we have estate planning specialists who can offer you comprehensive guidance on what to expect when serving as a personal representative. Contact us here for more information.
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