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.