20 Responsibilities Of An Executor Or Administrator In Georgia

Executors ensure all assets are accounted for and transferred to the correct beneficiary.

An executor has a ton of responsibilities within that. 

Here are the 20 main things that an executor does:

1. Register The Death: File the necessary documents to officially record the death.
2. Make Funeral Arrangements: Ensure funeral arrangements are made according to the deceased’s wishes or family instructions.
3. File The Will With The Local Probate Court: Locate, read, and file the will with the probate court to determine inheritance.
4. Notify Institutions Of The Death: Inform banks, credit card companies, the Social Security Administration, and other relevant agencies.
5. Determine The Need For Probate: Assess if probate is necessary based on inheritance laws and estate value.
6. Represent The Estate In Court: Appear in court as needed on behalf of the estate.
7. Set Up A Bank Account: Open an estate account for incoming funds and pay ongoing bills like mortgages and utilities.
8. File An Inventory With The Court: Submit a detailed inventory of the estate’s assets to the court.
9. Maintain The Property: Keep up with property maintenance until distribution or sale, ensuring all personal property is protected.
10. Handle Creditor Claims: Process claims from creditors and settle legitimate ones.
11. Pay Debts And Taxes: Notify creditors, pay debts, and file necessary tax returns, including potential estate taxes.
12. Distribute Assets: Distribute assets according to the will or Georgia intestacy laws if there is no will.
13. Dispose Of Remaining Property: Dispose of any leftover property after debts are paid and assets are distributed.
14. Communicate With Beneficiaries: Keep beneficiaries informed about the probate process and the status of the estate.
15. Handle Legal Challenges: Address any legal disputes or challenges to the will or the estate administration.
16. Manage Business Interests: If the deceased owned a business, manage or oversee the continuation or sale of the business.
17. Oversee Property Sales: Handle the sale process for any property that needs to be sold, including listing, negotiating, and completing transactions.
18. Distribute Personal Items: Ensure personal items are distributed according to the will or as agreed upon by the heirs.
19. Secure Digital Assets: Manage and secure any digital assets, including online accounts and digital currencies.
20. Terminate Ongoing Contracts: Cancel or transfer ongoing contracts or subscriptions the deceased had in place.