After the death of a loved one, you might receive designation to be the executor of this person’s estate. If you’ve been appointed to the role of an executor in California, it’s understandable to wonder what comes next. Here are three important responsibilities you’ll have as an estate executor.
Selling the house
One of your responsibilities as an executor may be selling the home of someone who passed away. You might be wondering how long you have to sell this property. This timeline depends on your state’s probate period. In California, this should give you about six months to a year to sell the home.
Paying creditors
Another important aspect of estate administration and probate is paying creditors who have a claim on the estate. As an executor, you can use revenue from the sale of a home to pay off these kinds of debts. If the person who passed away didn’t owe creditors, you won’t have to worry about this situation.
Keeping property safe
As an executor, you’re typically in charge of more than selling someone’s home. You’ll also need to ensure that their property remains safe. A few common safety measures you might get tasked with include changing locks and getting it insured. You’ll also need to ensure that the home remains in good condition. Taking care of a home can mean keeping the lawn mowed, getting leaks repaired and making other home improvement matters.
An executor is an important role with several major responsibilities. If you want to ensure that you’re doing everything right, it could be a good idea to contact a probate attorney in your state for assistance with estate administration.