Probating a California estate can be challenging for estate administrators or executors who are unfamiliar with the process. The degree of difficulty in completing probate typically depends on the size and nature of the assets to be administered, the number of parties involved in the process, and whether there are disputed issues among the parties. In any estate administration matter, small or large, an inexperienced executor can make mistakes without the proper guidance. Here are some tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Initiate The Probate Process As Soon As Possible

Time is money with most endeavors, and the probate process is no exception. As time goes by taxes add up, expenses will likely increase, and creditors become more aggressive. To minimize or avoid these additional pressures and demands from others, start the process as soon as realistically possible. One of the first major steps will involve marshalling the assets of the estate. Make sure you begin this task as quickly as possible.

Acting fast is especially critical for real estate, which must be properly insured, secured against break-ins if vacant, and protected against loss for nonpayment of taxes and mortgages. Also, as soon as you can, submit a request to the post office to forward all mail to an address or PO Box that is accessible to you.

Communicate Thoroughly And Effectively With Estate Heirs And Other Interested Parties

As a fiduciary, you are obligated to regularly communicate with the estate’s heirs and interested parties in business matters involving estate administration. Even without such a rule, thorough communication and disclosure can preserve important family relationships. Many times suspicion and distrust grows because of a lack of communication. Whether reasonable or not, this distrust often leads to permanent rifts in a family.

Accordingly, it is essential to communicate completely and effectively with those individuals having an interest in the estate’s administration. If you are open and transparent with heirs, they will be confident in your management of the estate, and legal disputes will be much less likely.

Keep Meticulous Records

As an estate administrator one of your primary responsibilities is to provide an accounting of the decedent’s assets and debts. To do this, an executor or administrator must keep clear and accurate records of the assets that come into his or her possession and document all expenses. Some assets may need to be appraised to determine their value. All debts will need to be verified when creditor claims against the estate are filed. Also, make sure all estate assets are separate and identifiable, and keep accurate records of all monies coming into and going out of your possession.

Wind Up Estate Matters In A Timely Fashion

Many inexperienced administrators or executors simply distribute the money and pay claims without ever formally closing the estate. But closing the estate is an important part of the process. Doing so gives all interested parties a complete picture of the estate administration process so that they know where assets went, and how expenditures were handled.

Lynx can assist in the probate process by making sure your court documents are in tip top shape throughout the process. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the estate administration process, or if you would like to start a case. We can be reached at 888-441-2355 or [email protected]. Our experienced professionals are standing by to take your order and answer any inquiries you may have.