Obtain a Copy of the Death Certificate

• Funeral Director: Assists with obtaining the death certificate, as they often handle this as part of their services.

• Vital Records Office: You may need to request additional copies directly from this office or its equivalent in your jurisdiction.

Locate the Will

• Estate Attorney: Can help locate and interpret the will, and ensure that it is valid.

• Executor: If named in the will, they have the responsibility to bring the will to probate court.

File the Will and Petition for Probate

• Estate Attorney: Drafts and files the probate petition and the will with the probate court. They guide you through the legal process.

• Probate Court: Reviews the documents and officially opens the probate process.

Notify Interested Parties

• Estate Attorney: Manages formal notifications to beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

• Executor: Responsible for sending out formal notices, often guided by the attorney.

Inventory the Estate

• Estate Attorney: May assist in organizing the inventory process and ensuring legal compliance.

• Appraiser: A professional who values the assets of the estate, such as real estate agents for property and certified appraisers for valuable items.

• Executor: Gathers and lists all estate assets and liabilities, often with the help of professionals.

Appraise the Estate

• Certified Appraiser: Provides professional valuation of assets such as real estate, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles.

• Real Estate Agent (hopefully me!): May assist in appraising the value of real estate properties within the estate.

• Financial Advisor: Helps determine distribution of financial and investment assets.

Pay Debts and Taxes

• Estate Attorney: Advises on legal obligations and ensures that debts and taxes are settled according to the law.

• Accountant or Tax Advisor: Prepares and files the estate’s tax returns, including income and estate taxes.

• Creditors: Submit claims against the estate, which need to be reviewed and settled.

Manage Estate Assets

• Estate Attorney: Provides guidance on legal management and responsibilities.

• Property Manager: May be employed to manage real estate or other property within the estate.

• Financial Advisor: Assists in managing investments and other financial assets of the estate.

Distribute Assets

• Estate Attorney: Ensures that asset distribution complies with the will or state law and prepares necessary legal documents.

• Executor: Distributes assets to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, often under the attorney’s guidance.

Close the Estate

• Estate Attorney: Prepares and files the final accounting and petition for the estate’s closure with the probate court.

• Probate Court: Reviews the final accounting and issues an order to close the estate.

• Executor: Finalizes all administrative tasks and ensures that the estate is formally closed.

Keep Records

• Estate Attorney: Advises on record-keeping requirements and may help organize and store documents.

• Executor: Responsible for maintaining detailed records of all transactions, correspondence, and proceedings throughout the probate process.