Being appointed as the executor of an estate is an honor because it displays a considerable amount of trust on behalf of the owner of the estate. As honorable as getting appointed as the executor may be, it also comes with a few complications that can make the job frustrating. For instance, if the estate has a monetary value that multiple family members want a part of, conflict can arise that makes the probate process more difficult. If you have no idea how to move forward as the executor of your deceased loved one's estate, you do not have to manage the process alone. A lawyer can assist with every aspect of the estate administration process, including representing you in court if any beneficiaries start a legal conflict.

Settling Tax Obligations for Your Deceased Loved One

Paying taxes to the government is mandatory, and dying does not excuse the debts that are owed. For instance, when someone dies and leaves behind an estate, money from the estate must be used to pay off taxes. The taxes of the deceased can be filed by the executor of the estate so he or she can use money from the estate accordingly. If you do not know how to go about paying off your deceased loved one's debts to the government, a lawyer can assist in several ways. He or she can gather the right documents, discuss what must be paid, and draft up documents showing that you used money from the estate to settle the debts.

Administering Assets to the Appointed Beneficiaries

When beneficiaries are appointed by an estate owner before death, it makes the administration process easier. The reason is that the deceased chose who he or she desires to receive specific assets in a will or similar documents. However, even with beneficiaries appointed, problems could still arise if someone dislikes the assets they inherited and begins a conflict. A lawyer is helpful in such a situation because he or she will prove to the beneficiaries that what they have inherited is genuine and bound by the laws of the state. If someone claims that the estate documents were tampered with or fraudulently signed, a lawyer will help you sort through the situation.

Managing Assets That Do Not Have Appointed Beneficiaries

It is possible that there will not be any beneficiaries appointed to assets after someone passes away. For example, if your deceased loved one owned a business, he or she may not have chosen any beneficiaries to take over the establishment. A lawyer will tell you how to go about settling such a situation, such as by selling the business and administering the profits to deserving beneficiaries.

For more information, contact an estate administration lawyer in your area.