In Warren, Arkansas, probate is the process through which a Court determines if a will is valid or not.

In the probate process, a Warren, Arkansas probate court has several duties, including ruling on a will's validity, making an inventory of the estate's assets, and making note of all the decedent's debts. Once the will is determined to be valid, the court will distribute the property according to its terms.

Wills often name a person as the executor of the estate. If not, the court in Warren, Arkansas will name one. This is most often the adult individual who stands to inherit the most money or property from the will.

The main duty of the executor is to serve as the living incarnation of the estate. Their job is to initiate probate proceedings, and see them to completion. If an executor has to be appointed by the court, it will usually be the person who stands to inherit the most from the will, as he or she has an incentive to make every effort to avoid delay.

Duties of the Executor in Warren, Arkansas

The executor has several duties with respect to the will. First, it is his or her job to actually initiate probate proceedings, which often must be completed before the will is given effect.

They also are required to provide notice to the people with a direct interest in the estate that the decedent has died, usually by filing a death certificate.

Executors are also required to make available an accounting of the testator's debts and assets, so their affairs can be wound up, along with a list of everyone who is named in the will, or otherwise stands to inherit.

Furthermore, the executor is required to take a leading role in proving the validity of the will. The executor obviously has an incentive to see the process through, since they cannot inherit until probate is complete.

How Can A Warren, Arkansas Lawyer Help?

Because this process can be fairly complicated, it is not a bad idea to consult with a good probate lawyer in Warren, Arkansas, especially if you find yourself as the executor of an estate and don't know how to proceed.