Being an estate trustee and executor can be a stressful role. Bearing that level of responsibility, especially during a time of grieving, can be overwhelming.
Add in other obstacles, such as family conflict, a lack of experience in managing an estate or living far away from the estate itself, and it suddenly becomes all-engulfing.
These feelings are common. That is why, during this time, having someone to support you and be your trusted partner can be so important.
While some are able to find this support within their own circle of friends and family, the assistance of a professional who has the experience and expertise to help you manage can make the process less stressful, far easier, and more efficient.
Gordon’s Downsizing & Estate Services has four ways in which a professional can help to execute and settle an estate that include:
1 - Probate
Probate is not required in all situations but, when it is, it provides a level of security to the executor. Probate can be a time-consuming process that requires applications to be filed, assets and liabilities to be effectively identified and fees to be paid.
An estate services professional can help keep you on track through the process, advising you on the steps to be taken in conjunction with the advice of your Estate lawyer. Coordinating things on the ground while minimizing expenditures and your time in fulfilling your obligations.
2 - Property and Contents Appraisal
Your loved ones spent their lifetime obtaining property and treasures that matter to them. Properly appraising those items ensures that their belongings are appropriately valued while keeping you safe in your role as an estate trustee.
A Certified Estate Advisor can help oversee all the tasks related to certified content and estate appraisals. This includes the appraisal of property including, but not limited to, antiques, collectibles, farm equipment, art, general merchandise, property and commercial assets.
Certified appraisals ensure that your appraisal is professionally researched, supported and documented.
3 - Disposition of Assets (Bequeathed or Otherwise)
In addition to appraising property, a professional estate service will be able to assist in the liquidation and distribution of assets.
Firstly they will ensure that bequeathed property is properly allocated to the appropriate parties, from locating and packaging the items in question to coordinating their delivery and ensuring the necessary documentation has been completed.
An estate services professional can then help you coordinate and maximize the sale of non bequeathed real estate and personal property so you can distribute the liquid proceeds in a timely manner- all while keeping you safe from regulatory authorities and second-guessing beneficiaries.
4 - Cleaning and Property Maintenance
Ensuring your loved one’s property (real estate or otherwise) is maintained during the settlement process is an important but often overlooked task. An estate professional should be able to help organize the necessary services to ensure their belongings are respected, cared for and maintained.
At Gordon’s, we understand the unique challenges you face, having over 60 years of experience serving estate executors, trustees, and beneficiaries. Our integrated approach to estate settlement streamlines the process, simplifies decision making and maximizes your loved one’s estate.
Our goal is to make the estate settlement process as stress-free and convenient as possible, and we do that with knowledgeable staff and valued services.
For more information on settling an estate, contact us today, or download or Executor/Estate Trustee eBook here.