Helpful steps to take before probate begins

Executors and personal representatives have many responsibilities and a long list of things to do. You must begin the probate process not long after the passing of a loved one. However, before you officially initiate the process, it will help immensely to prepare yourself.

3 tips to get ready for probate

Even if your loved one informed you long ago that you would be their executor or personal representative, the reality can still be overwhelming. As you first step into your role, here are some steps to guide you:

1. Read the will. Then, read it again: Take great care to review your loved one’s will. As the executor of this will, it is your responsibility to carry out their wishes – to the letter. The will is your guide and manual, so you should make sure you are well-versed in its contents. It is also critical to note that failing to uphold the wishes outlined in the will could lead to disputes and even accusations of misconduct or mismanagement.
2. Establish lines of communication early: Your obligation is to the testator – your loved one who passed – as well as their heirs and beneficiaries. Therefore, you should be open and consistent in your communications with beneficiaries throughout the entire process. Find strategies that work best for everyone now, whether that is planning to send regular emails or hold face-to-face meetings to discuss details and updates on the administration of the estate.
3. Get acquainted with probate: It always bears repeating that knowledge is power. Review the rules of probate in California, what is expected of you and of the process. Then determine the first deadlines you must meet, as well as what documents and forms you must file to initiate the process.

Ensuring you fully understand your loved one’s wishes and the beneficiaries’ rights is just as important as understanding what the probate process entails. Understanding all three will help you fulfill your duties as an executor or personal representative. Working with a probate attorney can help strategize how to approach the process from beginning to end.