Probate is the legal process that takes place when someone dies and their estate needs to be distributed according to their will or law. Completing probate can be a complicated and time-consuming process, so it’s important to have a checklist to ensure that everything is done correctly. Here is a checklist article for completing probate:
Obtain the death certificate
The first step in completing probate is to obtain the death certificate of the deceased. You will need to obtain several certified copies of the death certificate, as they will be required for various legal and financial processes.
Hire a probate attorney
It’s recommended to hire a probate attorney to guide you through the process. An attorney can help ensure that all legal requirements are met and can advise you on how to proceed with the distribution of the estate.
File the will with the court
If the deceased had a will, it must be filed with the court to initiate the probate process. The court will appoint an executor to oversee the distribution of the estate.
Notify beneficiaries and creditors
You will need to notify all beneficiaries and creditors of the deceased’s passing. This will give them an opportunity to make any claims against the estate.
Identify and value assets
You will need to identify and value all of the deceased’s assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, personal property, and any other assets they may have had.
Pay debts and taxes
You will need to pay off any outstanding debts of the deceased and file any necessary tax returns. This includes income tax, estate tax, and gift tax.
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the remaining assets can be distributed to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will. If there is no will, state law will dictate how the assets are distributed.
File a final report
Once all assets have been distributed, a final report must be filed with the court detailing all actions taken during the probate process.
Close the estate
After the final report has been approved by the court, the estate can be closed.
Completing probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, but following this checklist can help ensure that everything is done correctly. By hiring a probate specialist, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, identifying and valuing assets, paying off debts and taxes, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and filing a final report, you can successfully complete the probate process and close the estate.
Are you looking for help to complete Probate? Give DIY Probate a call on 0116 2795044, and we’ll be happy to help.