Murfreesboro Estate Administration Lawyer
Estate Administration in Rutherford County
When someone passes away, all of their belongings will have to be categorized
and distributed according to the individual's will. All that is involved
in this process is known as estate administration. This could be a relatively
simple process or a very lengthy undertaking, depending on the extent
of their estate and whether it goes to probate court. The specific laws
and regulations regarding the administration process will differ depending
on the laws of the state. Some states follow the Uniform Probate Code,
a standardized set of guidelines that endeavors to make this process as
simple as possible. The laws regarding estate administration in Tennessee
can be found in the Tennessee Code Title 30 Administration of Estates.
As these laws can be complex, it's best to have a probate lawyer help
you understand how they relate to your case.
The executor of the estate is the individual chosen to carry out the duties
related to estate administration. This person is usually named in the
deceased's will and in most cases, it is a family member or trusted
friend. If, however, the individual fails to name an executor in their
will, the court will have to choose one on their behalf. Choosing an executor
does not have to be difficult as a legal degree is not necessary. The
best executor will be someone you can trust, who is honest, and who can
communicate clearly with everyone involved. Even if the executor agrees
to take on this responsibility, it is still advisable to have a back-up
in case something should happen where they cannot fulfill their role.
It is also important to remember that the executor cannot be under the
age of 18 and cannot have been convicted of a felony, depending on the state.
What are the responsibilities of the executor?
First of all, the executor will be responsible for taking care of the deceased's
property until it is handed over to the beneficiaries. Although it may
not take very long to resolve the case, if the estate goes into
probate, it could be up to two years before the assets are divided up. In the
meantime, the house, grounds, vehicle, and assets will be the responsibility
of the executor. If there are any bills regarding the property, they will
have to keep up with them and make sure they are paid. Another key responsibility
is making sure all the taxes due on the estate are paid. If it is necessary
that someone appears in court regarding the property, it will be the executor
who will be there. Once all the loose ends are tied up, the executor will
ensure that the beneficiaries receive the assets they were allocated in the will.
Talk to a Murfreesboro estate administration attorney to learn more!
Whether you are considering who to name as your executor or are an executor
with questions regarding estate administration, please do not hesitate
to get in touch with my firm. At the LaRoche Law Office, I am dedicated
to providing high-quality legal representation to my clients throughout
Rutherford County. Since I am a solo practitioner, I am able to provide
my clients with one-on-one attention and you will be able to have peace
of mind knowing that your case will not be passed off to an associate.
I offer case evaluations, so please do not hesitate to
contact the LaRoche Law Office to learn how I could help you.