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A person will become responsible for the administration of an Estate if they are nominated by the deceased person as the Executor in their Will. The administration of the Estate is an important legal obligation. In the absence of an express provision for an Executor by the deceased in their Will, a Court will appoint an administrator, which usually is the closest surviving next of kin.
If you have been appointed the Executor or administrator of a deceased person’s Estate, you have a number of legal duties and obligations. These Executor’s duties and obligations include:
• reducing the Estate of the deceased into possession. This means the Executor must arrange for the assets of the deceased to come into the control of the Executor;
• paying any outstanding debts of the deceased;
• ensuring that all of the assets are properly secured and insured. Insurance companies and other institutions should be advised of the passing of the deceased;
• checking if the deceased had any life insurance policies;
• ascertaining if the deceased had an interest in any businesses, and to maintain these interests until they can be appropriately dealt with;
• organising the taxation affairs of the deceased and the deceased’s Estate. Tax declarations may have to be obtained and it is advised that financial advice is sought;
• keeping records – the Executor should keep very detailed records of all dealings with the Estate;
• distributing the residue of the Estate, after payment of all expenses, to those who are entitled as beneficiaries under the Will.
One of the first duties of the Executor of an Estate is to arrange the funeral for the deceased. The personal representative has the authority to make all decisions regarding the funeral to the exclusion of the next of kin. However, in most instances close family or friends assist with the funeral arrangements.
If the deceased had any dependants, minor children or pets, arrangements must be made for their care and welfare. If the deceased lived alone, the Executor must take reasonable steps to ensure the safe custody of the deceased’s home, motor vehicle, assets and possessions etc.
The Executor should attend to the following as soon as possible after the deceased has passed away:
• Obtain a copy of the deceased’s death certificate;
• Obtain a copy of the last Will of the deceased;
• Open a bank account in the name of deceased’s Estate;
• Ascertain all of the assets and liabilities of the deceased. There may need to be a consultation with the deceased’s accountant, legal representatives and financial advisors to fully ascertain the extent of the deceased’s Estate;
• Make applications to the court for a grant of probate or representation. Specific legal advice should be sought as to whether a grant of probate or grant of representation is required and the appropriate application that should be made;
• Dealing with the assets of the Estate. Once the assets of the Estate of the deceased have been ascertained the Executor will then determine whether the assets are to be distributed directly to the beneficiaries, or are to be sold and the proceeds distributed. Again legal and financial advice should be sought before the assets are distributed or sold;
• Attending to the tax affairs of the deceased;
• Paying any debts of the deceased.
The appointment as a personal representative of an Estate has significant obligations, personal risks and potential liabilities. Executors owe a duty of care to the beneficiaries of the Estate to exercise the same degree of care as would an ordinary prudent business person. The Executor could be personally liable for a breach of this duty. Given the significant legal obligations and responsibilities expected of a personal representative of an Estate it is imperative that you get the right advice as early as possible.
Speak with our Wills and Estates team today to ensure that you obtain the right advice. Estate Administration is an important legal obligation and our team will assist and advise you on the administration of any Estate regardless of its size.
Contact our team today to discuss your Estate Administration legal needs.
Call 07 3035 4077 to speak with our team now
