A loved one’s will can leave instructions for what to do after their death and distribute their assets and property to their families. They likely appointed a trusted representative, which could include you, for their estate as part of the planning process.
If you are the personal representative for your loved one, or if you will be involved in probate court, consider retaining a New Jersey estate administration lawyer. Distributing a deceased’s estate can be long and confusing, but an experienced estate planning attorney could help you through the process and make it easier.
Services for Personal Representatives
A personal representative could be either an executor or an administrator. An executor is named in the will, while an administrator is appointed by the probate court if there is no will or the decedent did not name an executor. A successor personal representative could be appointed to replace the original personal representative when necessary. Regardless of how they come into the job, a personal representative has an important responsibility, and an attorney could advise and counsel on administrating the deceased’s estate.
A personal representative’s responsibilities could be more complex than just distributing a deceased’s property and assets. When the deceased had debts to pay off and taxes on certain properties, the personal representative must take care of these before they can distribute the remaining assets.
The personal representative’s primary duty is to distribute the deceased’s assets as the intended beneficiary. When the representative does not fulfill this duty, the intended beneficiary could sue. An estate administration lawyer in New Jersey could help the representative distribute the deceased’s assets appropriately.
Services When There is No Will
Creating, drafting, and storing a will is essential in estate planning because it documents the deceased’s intentions for their assets. Unfortunately, some people never create a will. If a person passes away without a will, it is called dying intestate. The probate court may apply its rules for intestate succession in this situation. The rules of intestacy establish a specific order of priority for the deceased’s assets and properties.
The first priorities are typically given to the deceased’s surviving spouse, followed by their children. After them, parents, siblings, and other close relatives come next in the priority order. An estate administration attorney in New Jersey could provide advice and representation in the probate process to guarantee the priorities are followed and that family members receive what they are due when their loved one dies without a will.
Contact an Estate Administration Attorney in New Jersey for Help
If you have lost a loved one, a New Jersey estate administration lawyer could provide advice, counsel, and representation during the probate process so you can ensure their wishes are honored.
Having an attorney by your side during the estate administration could put your mind at ease and lessen your burden. Call Nesevich Law today to get started.