A Common Mistake Some Personal Representatives Make When Settling An Estate

Settling an estate can be challenging. Don’t make it more difficult by making these common mistakes…

Many people who accept the role of a Designated Personal Representative for a loved one who has passed are often inexperienced in the required duties of settling an estate.

When asked to perform such duties in settling an estate, it is typically loyalty and a desire to do right by the loved ones that motivates acceptance.

Unfortunately, so often when the time comes, which always seems to be an inconvenient time, reality sets in and confusion reigns.

The problem is that any errors or mismanagement of a trust or estate can subject the Personal Representative to personal liability. One of the most common pitfalls is not paying taxes prior to distributing the estate. Many people think the decedent was exempt from estate taxes. More likely, taxes are not even taken into consideration in the confusion.

Also, estate taxes can be complicated depending on the size of the estate. And while there is a standard federal exemption, it’s important to know that it is indexed for inflation and can change from year to year. Also be aware that some states also impose an estate tax.

Your best protection as a Personal Representative for an estate is to get good professional advice as early as possible in the process. It’s important to communicate regularly with the beneficiaries and to treat everything with appropriate formalities. This is particularly important is you are related to the decedent and the beneficiaries. The best practice is to manage the estate if you are not related to the decedent and always fully document your actions and decisions.

If you are a Personal Representative in need of guidance in settling an estate, give our office a call at 404-370-0696.

We can help you avoid the pitfalls and any personal liability.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!