What to Do When Someone Dies: Handling the Estate
It’s a difficult feeling to wonder what to do when someone dies. Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and on top of grief, you’re now faced with handling the estate. What happens next? What do you need to do? If you’re feeling unsure about the probate process, you’re not alone—many people don’t even know what probate is until they have to deal with it. The reality is that what happens next depends on whether your loved one had a will, a trust, or no estate plan at all.
Start by locating the will, then file it with the county probate court. The court will review its validity and appoint the named executor to handle the estate. The executor’s job is to settle debts, pay taxes, and distribute assets. If there are disputes, the court steps in to resolve them. Having expert probate attorneys ensures the executor fulfills their duties correctly, minimizes complications, and helps settle the estate as quickly as possible.