Help With Probate And Estate Administration
Estate law can be complex, and I don’t blame anyone for feeling overwhelmed by it. That is why I am a hands-on counselor for my clients. They often need a bit of hand-holding. If you are dealing with a loved one’s final expenses to creditors, gifts to beneficiaries and heirs, property sales, health care directives and other sensitive issues, I am here to help.
At Burns Law Office, I walk people through the probate process step-by-step. When you work with me, you can be sure things will get done right, and that your own liabilities as a personal representative are protected.
What Are My Responsibilities As A Personal Representative?
It can be an honor to serve as a loved one’s personal representative. It means you have been trusted to some of the most important things in an individual’s life – his or her legacy. In many cases, the personal representative is also a close relative and is likely a beneficiary him or herself.
Even if you are a beneficiary, your job as a personal representative is to carry out the testator’s wishes and act in the best interests of beneficiaries. It is your fiduciary duty. Part of this means clearly and reliably communicating with beneficiaries. There may be specific letters or notifications you must send to each party. Failure to do so could leave you in legal trouble personally.
You may also be a key player in dispute resolution among beneficiaries and heirs. No, you won’t “play judge” in these cases, but you will need to represent the estate in the probate process – which can include will contests, disputes over property and more. For example, you may face push-back if one or multiple beneficiaries feel estate property was sold at an unfair price.
Make Sure You Have Experienced Counsel
There are many legal requirements for any personal representative, so make sure you have an experienced attorney to guide you through the process.
When you work with me, Harry E. Burns, you’ll be able to actually speak to me. I will make myself available to answer your questions and ease the legal burden for you. Give my office a call and we can set up a time to speak about your case. My office is based in St. Cloud and I handle estate and probate matters for people throughout Central Minnesota.