Executor’s Role in the Fairfax Probate Process

If you are unfamiliar with the probate process, you may not fully understand the executor’s role in the Fairfax probate process. This can be an issue if you were named an executor in a person’s will. However, an attorney can help.

A conversation with a knowledgeable probate attorney can help you better understand your role in the process and the responsibilities you have. Additionally, an attorney could help you navigate the process so that you can avoid any unnecessary delays.

What is an Executor?

An executor is a person who has been specifically nominated in the decedent’s last will and testament and who also has then been qualified by the court to serve as executor. As opposed to a personal representative which is a general term for someone who is handling probate, an executor is specific to the person who was named in a decedent’s will.

If a person has been nominated as executor, they still must be qualified, which entails going to court in the county in which the decedent was a resident and presenting the last will and testament to the clerk or the court. This is referred to as probating the will and the clerk or the court will make sure that the will is valid.

Additionally, the executor must have certain forms completed that will get filed during the meeting with the clerk. Given all this, it is wise to consider hiring a probate lawyer after the death of a loved one if the person knows they will be applying for qualification as executor. The well-versed attorney can help prepare the person for the qualification and answer any questions they have about their role and the responsibilities that come with it.

When to Hire an Attorney in Fairfax Probate

If a person believes they will need to qualify as an executor, they should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Probate can be a long process depending on the circumstances of the specific estate. Specifically, the more assets that must be marshalled and claims filed against the estate, the longer the process. Therefore, the time commitment of the executor will vary. Due to the complexity of the process, it can be important to have an attorney who can serve as a guide throughout the process.

Hiring an attorney early on can help a person make the decisions necessary to make this process go as smoothly as possible. When an attorney is involved, they can help guide the executor through the probate process to help them make sure they are making decisions that can make the process move as quickly as possible in the given circumstances.

Discuss an Executor’s Role in the Fairfax Probate Process with an Attorney

Since the role of an executor is so crucial to the Fairfax probate process, it is important to get the help you need. An experienced attorney can answer any questions you have about the process and help guide you through it. This can help you avoid mistakes that could delay the process. To learn more about how an attorney could help, call today.