Checklist - Personal Representative

The following checklist is a general probate checklist for personal representatives. It should not be considered exhaustive and is not intended as legal advice. It is an ideal checklist to be used when meeting with the attorney you select to represent the estate in probate.

 

DoneTaskDue
□Notify close friends and familyFirst Week
□Notify employerFirst Week
□Secure assetsFirst Week
□Arrange funeralFirst Week
□Order death certificatesFirst Week
□Retain attorneyFirst Month
□Submit will to courtFirst Month
□Cancel unneeded servicesFirst Month
□Request Employer Identification Number (EIN)First Month
□Notify Social SecurityFirst Month
□Determine heirsFirst 3 Months
□Start probate process if required/desiredFirst 3 Months
□Notify heirsFirst 3 Months
□Establish family allowance if applicableFirst 3 Months
□Forward mailFirst 3 Months
□Notify life insurance companiesFirst 3 Months
□Notify IRAs and similar beneficiary accountsFirst 3 Months
□Notify other agencies (DMV, etc.)First 3 Months
□Notify extended acquaintancesFirst 3 Months
□File IRS Form S6First 3 Months
□Open estate bank accountFirst 3 Months
□Inventory assetsFirst 3 Months
□Publish notice of deathFirst 3 Months
□Debt claims deadline expiredASAP
□Inventory debtsASAP
□Determine estate solvencyASAP
□Resolve debtsASAP
□Plan asset allocationASAP
□Pay local property taxesASAP
□Provide Schedule K-1 to any trust beneficiariesCalendar Year
□Submit final decedent income tax forms (1040)Calendar Year
□Submit estate income tax forms (1041)Calendar Year
□Deal with state filingsCalendar Year
□Submit personal liability discharge (5495)Calendar Year
□Submit estate tax form (706) if needed9 Months
□Submit federal heir forms (8971) if needed10 Months
□Receive federal estate tax closing letter (627) if needed15 Months
□Make all distributionsASAP
□Compensate executorASAP
□Submit probate final accountingASAP
□Submit probate closing statementASAP
□Close estate bank accountASAP

Probate Attorneys

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