“Sorting Household Stuff: A Guide for Personal Representatives” by Attorney Alex Pagnotta (Audio)
At the death of a family member, there is a lot of planning for what happens to property after a person passes away. Having advanced plans will make life easier for loved ones after death and will allow more control over what happens to the decedent’s assets.
After death, most estates must go through the probate process. The executor will need to manage the assets held within the estate, including physically going through the tangible property. Sinclair Prosser Gasior can provide guidance with this challenging task, as the personal representative has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of heirs or beneficiaries. To make this process easier, here are a few simple steps:
- Sort all of the household items into four different categories: items to keep, items to sell, items to donate, and items to throw away. To make sorting easier, pre-print labels with each of the four categories or use duct tape in different colors so bags and boxes can be quickly and easily labeled.
- Move room-by-room: Going just one room at a time can help one feel like progress is made, and will not cause them to feel as overwhelmed as the process will be much more organized.
- Use clear plastic trash bags: This makes it much easier for one to see what is inside of the bags, and can make it easier to change categories later.
- Provide deadlines to family members: Family members may want to keep some household possessions, but may not actually be eager to come and pack those items up and take them back to their own homes. Unless you want to get stuck with a house full of stuff to keep track of and manage, let family members know there is a specific deadline by which they must pick up the items they want.
Sinclair Prosser Gasior can provide guidance with all aspects of the process of managing an estate and make it easier to wind up the affairs of the decedent. Working with an attorney will help the executor make smart choices to ensure all duties are fulfilled and that the wishes of the deceased are honored.
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