A Step-By-Step Guide: What To Do After A Relative Has Passed Away
The process of deceased estate management can be overwhelming for many people. This is because it’s important to know the right steps and what documents should be presented to ensure that everything will go smoothly.
For this reason, we’ve created a step-by-step guide for residents who live in Cedar Park, TX, with valuable tips on managing assets, properties, and money belonging to someone who has passed away. This blog post includes information about the deceased estate process and some valuable tips on what documents should be presented during probate cases.
Deceased Estate Process
The deceased estate process can be divided into three stages: probate proceedings, decedent’s assets management (also known as asset control), and deceased estate settlement.
Probate Proceedings
Suppose you are a family member of the deceased. In that case, you can petition to have an administrator appointed for your relative’s estate if he or she didn’t leave behind written instructions on how their assets should be managed after death.
This is known as probate proceedings, and it might take up to 9 months before someone is appointed. Probate Lawyers in Cedar Park, TX, have the job to gather, protect, and distribute deceased assets following the deceased’s Will or the state law if there isn’t a valid will. The administrator can be an individual or business that the court has given this authority to.
Assets Management Or Asset Control
The assets management process is also known as deceased estate administration which involves managing the deceased person’s property and money to pay off any debts or taxes. After this, whatever remains should be distributed to heirs according to Texas law.
A deceased attorney generally does this to make sure that the valid Will of the deceased is followed accordingly. However, if there is no will, the deceased estate is managed by state law.
Deceased Estate Management Paperwork You’ll Need
Affidavit Of Heirship
If you are the deceased’s spouse or heir, you must present this along with a certified copy of your relative’s death certificate. This should be presented to any bank, business entity (IRS included), and governmental agency where deceased assets are held.
Certificate Of Appointment
If you are the deceased’s executor or administrator, present this to any bank, business entity (IRS included), or governmental agency where deceased assets are held. This should be accompanied by a certified copy of your appointment letter.
Letter Of Authority
This is presented if more than one administrator or if the deceased has willed that one of his/her heirs should have access to deceased assets.
Does The Deceased Estate Process Varies?
The deceased estate process varies depending on asset and property types. For instance, if you’re dealing with a deceased person’s house, it is much easier than managing his or her business assets since there are specific laws that govern each type of deceased estate management.
Every estate and Will is unique in its way. The exact probate procedure may differ depending on the directives left in the will and the assets, creditors, and beneficiaries of the estate.
Need Deceased’s Estate Management Services In TX?
Do you live in Cedar Park TX? Elissa I. Henry Law Firm is here to help you with deceased estate management. Our probate lawyers TX are dedicated to serving you and ensuring that your deceased relative’s assets will be divided following his/her wishes. Get in touch with us today.
