In our interactions working with Personal Representatives, we find that many, many lessons are learned from their experience. Likely the most common lesson is that everyone should have their Estate Planning done, and up to date, by a competent Estates & Trusts attorney. Some of the greatest hurdles and obstacles incurred during the Probate administration of a loved one’s Estate can occur due to their lack of any Estate Planning at all, planning done without the assistance of a competent Estates & Trusts attorney, or sometimes worst of all, Estate Planning that is not up to date.
Other lessons include the importance of asset titling and up to date beneficiary designations, and the importance of leaving your affairs organized, in order, and accessible for your Personal Representative. In today’s digital world, that includes leaving lists of financial institutions, account numbers, usernames and passwords, titles to automobiles, etc..
Often, the feedback that we get is that the Personal Representative could never have made it through the process without professional assistance and that such assistance is invaluable to the process. If you would like professional assistance Probating the Estate of a loved one, CONTACT US for a free 15-minute consultation or visit our FIND AN ATTORNEY page.