Tips For Choosing A Personal Representative

You will have to make many important decisions when planning your estate. Most of these will pertain to how your property is distributed upon your death. Your personal representative will be responsible for ensuring property is distributed properly to your beneficiaries and so, it is important to give great consideration to the person you will choose for this role. Below, our Daytona Beach probate lawyer offers some tips when choosing your personal representative.

Willing and Able 

First and foremost, it is critical that you choose someone who is eligible to fill the role under Florida law. Fortunately, anyone who is 18 years of age or older and a Florida resident or close relative of the deceased can serve as personal representative. Also, your personal representative cannot have any previous felony convictions. In addition to making sure the person you choose is legally eligible, also speak to the person you are considering and make sure they are willing to step into the role.

Organized 

Larger estates are much more complicated for personal representatives to administer. Beneficiaries and creditors may run out of patience. The personal representative will also have to accomplish many different tasks before releasing inheritances and payments. To ensure your estate is administered in an efficient manner, it is important to choose a personal representative who has good organizational skills.

Detail-Oriented 

Along with being organized, your personal representative should also be detail-oriented. They may have to protect certain types of property and have them insured. If you own a business, your personal representative may also have to take immediate steps to ensure it continues operating. All of these tasks do not only require organization, but also attention to detail.

Financially Knowledgeable 

Personal representatives must manage investments, money, and the appraisal of property. In order to handle these tasks, your personal representative must have a thorough understanding of financial principles in order to effectively manage your property.

Trustworthiness 

Personal representatives are fiduciaries and they have a legal duty to provide the estate with a certain standard of care. When selecting a personal representative, you should choose someone who will act according to your preferences. How the personal representative handles your estate will directly impact your beneficiaries, so it is critical that you choose someone who is trustworthy.

Diplomacy 

Even the most loving families can become embroiled in disputes, particularly when they are emotional and grieving the loss of a loved one. It is important to select a personal representative who can help resolve conflicts so small issues do not erupt into will contests that may require litigation. If litigation is necessary, it can greatly minimize the value of your estate, and the inheritance you leave your loved ones.

Our Probate Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help with Your Case 

At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach probate lawyer can help with all aspects of planning your estate so your wishes and your family members are protected today, and in the future. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about your legal options.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0733/0733ContentsIndex.html