Tag: Probate

WHAT DOES A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ESTATE NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED?

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Who is a Personal Representative?

A Personal Representative is a gender-neutral legal term used in Indiana and is the person(s) named to wrap up a deceased’s affairs and distribute the assets. Other states may refer to this person as the Executor (male) or executrix (female) of the Estate. If the Decedent had a Will, they typically would have named their choice for Personal Representative in this document. Once the estate is opened with the court, the court will officially approve the Personal Representative, thus giving them the authority to handle the affairs and assets of the decedent.

What does a Personal Representative have to do?

There are several things you are tasked with handling, while some of them may not seem difficult, they can be time-consuming and hiring an attorney may help.

1.     Locate the Will and determine how distribution of assets is to go. This is more involved than just               finding the assets and handing them out to the heirs, and there are time frames that should be                   followed. Must probate the Will.

2.     Locate and secure all assets making sure they are locked, insured, and harbored in a safe place.             This includes securing the house, vehicles, bank accounts, and personal belongings.

3.     Keep the utilities and mortgage paid, but cancel the non-essentials like cable, dish, internet and                 the newspaper.

4.    Open an estate bank account.

5.    Review all bills, and determine what must be paid now.

6.    Determine if tax returns must be filed.

7.    Everything must be kept separate than the Personal Representative’s assets.

8.    Determine all heirs to inherit under the Will. Get approval by all to close the estate and distribute                the funds.

9.   Adhere to deadlines set by the court to close the estate and file certain documents.

10.   You as Personal Representative could have personal liability if handled incorrectly.

This is not an exhaustive list of the duties of a Personal Representative and every case is different.

Having an experienced attorney guide you through the process helps ensure you do not miss something important and can answer any questions that may arise. 

 

IMPORTANCE OF ESTATE PLANNING: “WHAT IF” ~ WILLS

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Planning for the Future

No one wants to think about the “what ifs”. Therefore, most people ignore them and do not plan ahead. Do NOT be one of those people when it comes to preparing your Last Will and Testament. Your eventual death is not a “what if” it is a when. Hopefully, it is a long time from now, but “what if” that is not the case. And even if it is, why not be prepared now?

What if….

A Last Will only comes into play after an individual passes away. A Will is NOT only for you, but also for your loved ones that you leave behind. What if, I get in an accident on the way home from work? What if I have a heart attack tomorrow? Who will take care of my children?  If you have minor children or pets, a Will is a great way to ensure they are in good hands if you unexpectedly pass away. Naming a guardian is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.

What else does my Will do?

A Will also allows you to more easily pass on your assets after your death to those you love. It is a legal document that is essential to any estate plan. A Last Will ensures that your children or other loved ones receive your real and personal property. It allows a legal means for your loved ones to more easily navigate the tricky law of Estates and Probate. A Will may help prevent disputes or hard feelings between your heirs as to whom you wanted to leave some of your personal items. Your Will is your last voice after death directing how you wish you estate and assets be distributed. Don’t you want a saying in how that is done?  Do not leave your loved ones unprepared upon your death, plan ahead and contact the Fort Wayne lawyers at Perry Law Office to help create a Will that meets your specific needs.

Do you know these key Estate and Probate terms?

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Planning your estate or dealing with an estate of a loved one after they have passed could have your head swimming with “legal terminology”. We at, Perry Law Office, understand that this process can be daunting and sometimes flat out confusing. Some of these terms and phrases may be familiar to you, while others may be completely foreign. Here are few key terms that you may come across:

Administration: The process of opening an estate with the court and distributing assets.

Assets: Anything that is owned! Property, vehicles, cash, bank accounts, jewelry, antiques are all assets.

Beneficiaries: Person(s), organization or charity that will receive the assets of the deceased

Creditors: Anyone the decedent owed money

Deceased or Decedent: Person who has passed away

Durable Power of Attorney- also known as a POA or power of attorney, a document that gives someone else the power to act on your behalf to make certain financial decisions or it can also appoint a Health Care Representative to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to.

Estate: Everything left by an individual at their death, including assets and debts

Executor: The person(s) named to wrap up a decedent’s affairs and distribute the assets. Commonly known as Personal Representative in Indiana

Fiduciary: Person having the legal duty to act primarily for another’s benefit. Implies great confidence and trust, and a high degree of good faith. Usually associated with a trustee, but
personal representatives also have the legal duty to properly administer the estate.

Grantor: The person who sets up or creates the trust. The person whose trust it is. Also called creator, settlor, trustor, donor or trustmaker.

Irrevocable Trust: A trust that cannot be changed (revoked) or cancelled once it is set up. Opposite of revocable trust.

Intestate: passing without a Will. State laws will determine how the assets are distributed, not the wishes of the deceased.

Living Trust: A written legal document that creates an entity to which you transfer ownership of your assets. Contains your instructions for managing your assets during your lifetime and for
their distribution upon your incapacity or death. Avoids probate at death and court control of assets at incapacity. Also called a revocable inter vivos trust. A trust created during one’s lifetime.

Living Will: A written document that states you intentions to have life prolonging measures taken or your wish not to be kept alive by artificial means when the illness or injury is terminal. The name is a bit misleading as it has nothing to do with your Last Will and Testament.

Per Capita: A way of distributing your estate so that your surviving descendants will share equally, regardless of their generation. I.e. there are four siblings that were to share equally in quarters, one sibling passes and now the three surviving siblings share in thirds.

Per Stirpes: A way of distributing your estate so that your descendants and their heirs share the pre-deceased descendants portion of the estate. If one of your beneficiaries passes before you, then their children would take their share. I.e. there are four siblings that were to share equally in quarters, one sibling passes, and the sibling that passes has two children. The three siblings still each get a quarter, and the two children share the last quarter. Good way to give something to grandchildren if their parent’s have passed.

Personal Property: Includes items that can be moved, like clothing, jewelry, money, and vehicles. (for land or real estate see Real Property)

Personal Representative: The person(s) named to wrap up deceased’s affairs and distribute the assets. You may have heard this called an executor or administrator.

Power of attorney: A document you sign giving authority for someone else to act on your behalf. Could be financial, healthcare, or even for a limited purpose such as purchasing property for you in your absence. To survive incapacity you must have a Durable Power of Attorney.

Probate: The legal process of validating a Will with the court and wrapping up affairs of the deceased.

Real Property: Land, houses/homes, or other buildings

Revocable Trust: A trust set up in which the person setting it up can change or cancel it. This is a good way to avoid probate.

Testate: Person who dies with a Will

Trust: An entity that holds assets for the benefit of certain other persons or entities.

Will: A written document providing instructions for distributing your assets and estate. You can make it vague/simple (equally to my children) or as detailed as you like (gun collection to my son Jim, my 1965 Chevy Camera to my daughter Sarah, etc). This is also called Last Will and Testament.

Let the attorneys at Perry Law Office, help you through this maze of legal terminology and confusion. We are here to help. Give us a call at 260-483-3110 and ask to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys today. As always, there is a free consultation.