Probate Attorney in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

In Old Orchard Beach, Maine, probate is the procedure in which a court validates or voids a will.

As part of the probate procedure, the court in Old Orchard Beach, Maine will decide the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, then, assuming everything is deemed to be in order, distribute the estate according to the will.

Wills frequently name a person as the executor of the estate. If not, the court in Old Orchard Beach, Maine will name one. This is most often the adult individual who stands to inherit the most funds or property from the will.

The executor is the individual who initiates probate proceedings. The person who stands to inherit the most from the will is typically appointed the executor, because they will have the most reason to help the process go as quickly as possible, so they can get their inheritance.

Duties of the Executor in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

The executor has many duties regarding the will. First, they have to truly initiate the probate proceedings, which must be finalized before the will is effectuated.

They additionally are obligated to provide notice to the people with a direct interest in the estate that the decedent has died, typically by filing a death certificate.

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

Because the executor serves as the living representation of the decedent's estate, they are solely accountable for proving the validity of the will. This is a lot of work, but because executors are typically chosen based on how much they stand to inherit from a will once its validity is confirmed, they have a good incentive to see the process to finalization.

How Can A Old Orchard Beach, Maine Lawyer Help?

Because of the difficulties involved in probate, it would be a reliable idea to consult with and retain an Old Orchard Beach, Maine attorney who specializes in probate, especially if you are the executor of an estate.