At this very moment, there are hundreds, even thousands, of individuals throughout California who have been handed the awesome responsibility of administering a substantial estate. For each, there are many ways that even the most well-intentioned executor or administrator can allow things to fall through the cracks.
The truth is, properly administering an estate is a matter of managing details. There may be numerous assets that require an accounting, and there is not much room for guesswork when you’re trying to get it right.
So, you’ve been handed the great responsibility of handling an estate, either for a loved one who has passed away or become incapacitated. What are you going to do?
Get the right help sooner than later
The headline here could just as easily have been “Get proper help before you need it,” but the fact of the matter is that if you’ve been given this responsibility, then that time has already come.
California probate and estate planning laws are not a simple matter, but they can be effectively navigated, provided you have the right tools.
Regardless whether the estate you have been tasked with handling is valued in the millions, or if it simply exceeds the probate threshold of $150,000, you need to be prepared to determine the value of many kinds of assets with to-the-penny accuracy.
Effective estate accounting means chasing down where each and every dollar has been placed and why it has been put there. Often, there may be discrepancies between a decedent’s wishes as they are stated in a will and the actual assets that are held in an estate.
Without precise valuation and accounting, and clear-minded handling, this can lead to messy conflicts among beneficiaries.
These are only some of the reasons why it is wise to consider enlisting the assistance of experienced estate and probate legal council who can help you take control of the entire scope of your particular situation.
A well-handled estate means a better outcome for all parties
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the size of the job, or maybe you are just realizing how big of a job it truly is, don’t worry – this is a normal and healthy response to a large responsibility. It is also good to remember that you have been chosen for this role because the person who appointed you believed that you are the best person to handle it with excellence.
Proper assistance can help you confidently steer even the most complicated of estates to a successful resolution, while advising you on how to navigate any legal, accounting, or interpersonal conflicts that may arise in the process.