You will have to create a comprehensive estate plan. But, after planning your estate, things will be out of your hands in the event of your passing. This is why you will need to choose the right person to carry out your wishes. This person is known as a personal representative. Read on to learn more about the roles of a personal representative in Pennsylvania.
What are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative?
A personal representative’s responsibilities will begin when the individual who created the estate plan passes away. The representative must then manage the deceased’s estate and assets until all their tasks are finished. The first job of a representative is to bring the will in the estate plan to the Surrogate Court in which the deceased lived. Once this is done, the process of probate can begin. It is during this time that the court works to determine the validity of the will. If it is approved, the next step of the personal representative is to handle any finances. This can include outstanding payments or taxes that must be paid off. The representative may benefit from working with an attorney or accountant during this time to ensure the payments are made correctly. After these tasks are completed, the representative can begin to handle one of the most important parts of an estate plan. This requires them to distribute the assets within the estate to their designated beneficiaries. It is important to know that there are some cases in which a beneficiary may contest the content of a will and challenge its validity. When this happens, the representative will need to resolve these issues.
How Do I Choose a Personal Representative?
When an individual is looking to choose their personal representative, it is crucial to choose a person that can be trusted to do so. Handling an estate is a large responsibility and can often be overwhelming. The person is left to carry out the deceased’s final wishes. It is because of this that they should be dependable and do the job to the best of their ability.
Can A Personal Representative be Replaced?
It is important to note that it is possible for a representative to be removed from their position. This can happen if they are not doing their job properly. For example, if they are not acting in the best interest of the deceased and their estate by handling it negligently. When this happens, a motion can be filed to remove the individual from this role. A judge can either approve or deny this motion. If the individual is removed, the judge can replace them with a new representative to complete any unfinished tasks.
Contact our firm to speak with a skilled estate planning attorney today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
