18 Important First Steps for Estate Administrators  

Estate administrators have no small task ahead of them.  The below first steps are only part of what an administrator is required to complete but each item is a key requirement in the beginning of an probate administration and should be completed as soon as possible.

1. Determine if there is perishable or depreciating property and arrange to protect the value of the property.
2. Locate burial instructions or a will. Witnesses may also need to be located if the will is not self-proving.
3. Determine whether a special administrator may be necessary.
4. Obtain certified copies of death certificate
5. Coordinate delivery of decedent’s mail, magazine, and newspaper subscriptions.
6. Consider what to do with decedent’s rented real or personal property.
7. Cancel decedent’s credit cards.
8. Review liability and property insurance carried by decedent to determine adequacy of insurance and have personal representative added as a named insured.
9. Notify Social Security Administration and any pension administrators of death and need to discontinue payments.
10. Locate all bank and brokerage accounts that stand in decedent’s name.
11. Contact banks in regard to bank accounts and safe-deposit boxes.
12. Arrange for copies of deeds, descriptions, and names of tenants for all real estate that decedent has interest in.
13. Review status of vehicles owned by decedent and determine if there is a debt owed on vehicles.
14. Gather uncashed checks that are payable to decedent.
15. Collect and safeguard cash in decedent’s possession at time of death.
16. Determine if there are any trusts or estates in which decedent has an interest.
17. Determine if decedent has any fiduciary responsibilities such as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or custodian.
18. Review personal papers to determine any additional assets.

The above list does not represent a complete list of all the things that may be required by an executor.  Rather, these are key items that an executor will most likely need to complete in order to safeguard the estate.  Doing so will help to ensure that beneficiaries’ interests are protected and that an executor is not exposing themselves to potential liability.

Working with experienced probate attorneys can ensure that an estate executor is taking all necessary steps and shield them them from future liability.  Hassell and Hyatt offers free consultations for estate executors.  You can schedule your consultation by calling (916) 900-6206.