What’s involved in settling an estate?

Being an executor is a role that involves considerable responsibility. You are being asked to carry out the deceased’s final wishes, take ownership and possession of his/her assets, pay all of their debts, and distribute the proceeds of their estate to the beneficiaries.

Yes, the job is as big as it sounds, but you don’t need to do it alone. Many executors just like you have partnered with Executor Support to receive assistance in settling the estate. So, what does assisting really mean? What sort of experience should you expect when Executor Support is by your side? In a nutshell, you can expect relief and simplicity...



Download our FREE Executor’s Checklist. This is the best way to begin learning about your new role as Executor.




 

Below is a summarized list of the most common duties executors are expected to perform. For a complete list of duties you may be required to perform, we encourage you to download our FREE Executor's Checklist.  It is the best place to begin learning of your new responsibilities and will ensure nothing is forgotten or overlooked.


Assets & Liabilities
  • Identifying and protecting the assets
  • Communicating with service providers and creditors
  • Probate

Executors are expected to identify and evaluate all assets & liabilities, protect those assets and, in many estates, probate the will. All of the letters and forms (excluding probate forms) will be prepared for your signature and, with your input, the asset list will be generated for you. We will help you secure the home and contents, and you will be offered assistance in packing and selling the household possessions.


Income Tax and Financial Transactions
  • Income & expenses
  • Income tax returns
  • Clearance certificates

Rest assured knowing all of the financial details of the estate will be maintained for you. You will also be provided with an accountant and all tax returns will be prepared for your signature.


Distributing the Proceeds
  • Selling assets and paying debts
  • Passing the accounts
  • Bequests and distribution

You don’t need any experience selling real estate or other assets, or paying debts. You will be provided all the assistance you require, including arranging any necessary professionals. Easy-to-read financial statements will be provided to each of the beneficiaries so that they can pass the accounts, and our system automatically calculates how much money to distribute to each beneficiary.


Those are the duties of an executor, condensed into a few bullet points. Settling an estate does not need to be a negative experience. By relying on Executor Support for guidance and assistance you can expect relief from the workload, anxiety and stress.


We encourage you to download our FREE Executor’s Checklist. This is the best way to begin learning about your new role as Executor.





For additional information or help with any of these tasks, contact Executor Support to arrange an initial consultation to discuss how we may be able to assist. You are also welcome to sign up for our monthly newsletter where you will receive informative articles and useful tips.





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