A loved one died and I need help! |
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 What estate planning documents did the loved one have? |
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| Do I need to file a probate? |
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 How do I manage this process when I live far away? |
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 Can I administer the estate from a distant location? |
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A probate administrator does not have to be a local resident. In this modern age, many aspects of the administration process, such as banking, can be handled remotely. In some instances, an estate can be concluded without a personal representative ever appearing before the probate court. On the other hand, the probate administration process frequently requires court appearances and “hands on” functioning. A personal representative’s fees for most matters are fixed by statute and the personal representative will generally not be compensated time lost and travel costs associated with the process. Serving as an administrator is an important role and should be considered carefully before you agree to assume responsibility. With respect to the administering a trust, being in a remote location is generally not an important issue. Since court intervention is not required, the successor trustee operates the trust where he or she is located. |
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| If I don't want to administer the estate, who else can do it? |
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| Who has priority to serve as the personal representative? |
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| The bureaucracy is holding everything up; what can I do? |
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| The person in charge is being secretive; what can I do? |
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| It appears that there is stealing from the estate; what can I do? |
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| The will or trust was changed under suspicious circumstances; what can I do? |
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