If you are the executor of an estate, you will likely be working with an estate administration attorney at some point. A licensed attorney will help you prepare and file paperwork. They will also walk you through the probate process.

Define The Roles

Some executors choose to take on some of the responsibilities associated with overseeing a property. Handling the filing of paperwork or the cancellation of insurance policies will support moving a probate case forward. These steps could also lessen the amount of money that an estate administration attorney will charge the executor.

Before you hire an attorney, decide how much work you are willing to take on. During an initial meeting with an estate administration attorney, you will find out what types of services the attorney offers. You will also be provided with details concerning how a probate case will unfold.

Once you have familiarized yourself with an attorney's policies, you and the attorney can discuss payment arrangements. Tell the attorney which services you would like them to assist you with. These services will be outlined in the paperwork that both you and the attorney sign.

Review Your Service Agreement

You may be charged an hourly fee for services that are rendered. Your estate administration attorney may charge separate fees for specific services. For instance, if your attorney will be preparing and filing paperwork on a recurring basis, you may be charged a separate fee for each time that the attorney handles document services.

Conduct Your Duties

Your estate administration attorney will provide you with some information on how you can help them. You will be responsible for compiling paperwork that pertains to the decedent and their estate.

Existing insurance policies, the decedent's last will and testament, and copies of property records and earning reports are some documents that your attorney may advise you to compile.

Once you have sorted through the papers, you should plan on bringing them to your lawyer's office. Your lawyer will inform you on how each document will play a role in the probate case. Existing policies that will no longer be needed can be canceled after your meeting with your attorney.

Assess The Progress

It is a good idea to set up a meeting schedule with your attorney. Staying in touch with the estate administration attorney will provide you with insight into how quickly the probate case is moving forward. During each meeting, your attorney can advise you on any issues that pertain to your case.

Reach out to an estate administration attorney to learn more.