Leading Estate Planning Attorney Jennifer Elliott Warns Executors Of Damaging Probate Court Mistakes – San Clemente, CA
Top Estate Planning and Probate lawyer Jennifer Elliott founder of San Clemente Estate Law, PC in San Clemente, CA. explains that costly mistakes that an executor could make can be easily avoided. For more information please visit https://sanclementeestatelaw.com
San Clemente, CA, United States – February 28, 2021 /MM-REB/ —
Stepping into an executor’s shoes to act on behalf of a deceased person’s estate can be compounded by several mistakes that can be easily avoided, revealed leading attorney Jennifer Elliott founder of San Clemente Estate Law, PC in San Clemente, CA.
For more information please visit https://sanclementeestatelaw.com
Elliott is one of the best-placed lawyers to comment on the common errors that can beset an executor in their pursuit of settling an estate.
Among them are failing to ask for guidance, not acknowledging what they are getting into, being disorganized and, worst of all, not communicating and updating beneficiaries.
Elliott said: “Understanding the role and responsibilities expected of an executor is a given if someone is to look after the estate of a recently deceased person.”
Some of the tasks they will have to conduct are filing a petition, completing the probate process, establishing a dead person’s overall financial picture, uncovering hidden assets, assessing creditors’ claims, and paying off any bills and fees.
She said: “Being an executor of an estate can be time-consuming, and sometimes it can and will be upsetting. Even though a person is named an executor, they don’t have to accept the nomination.”
If you do take on the task, then there is always help and guidance available. Executors can get in over their heads and fail to seek out a helping hand when they desperately need to. Touching base with an estate planning attorney, an accountant, and realtors if it involves property administration, are just three professionals they may need.
Elliott assured: “Professionals are there to serve for the benefit of the estate and work with you towards full settlement.”
Being organized and having a checklist of must-dos will help executors stay on top of tasks and move steadily through the different areas towards settling an estate.
She added: “There is no point in trying to muddle through or cut corners to get to the end in a disorganized fashion quickly. Moving slowly, methodically and carefully is far better, and it will also minimize any mistakes made in the process.”
Executors need to be aware of court rules and regulations to follow in administering a person’s estate. The laws are in place for a reason, so follow them even if it appears a nightmare of tax filings, filling in forms and tracking down assets.
Communicating with potential beneficiaries, according to Elliott, is another must. Keeping them apprised of the process and managing their expectations will probably enable you to keep them onside, rather than facing negativity if the probate process develops into a long-haul.
Elliott concluded: “Rules are there for a reason, no-one is above the law and an executor can’t look favourably on a beneficiary over that of a creditor when balancing the estate’s administration. If they need help, get it from a trained, licensed professional.
“Erring on the side of caution will keep executors from committing mistakes and bring the execution of an estate to a satisfying conclusion for everyone involved.”
Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz
Contact Info:
Name: Jennifer Elliott
Email: Send Email
Organization: San Clemente Estate Law, P.C.
Address: 100 S Ola Vista Suite A, San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone: (949) 420-0025
Website: https://sanclementeestatelaw.com
Source: MM-REB
Release ID: 88998401