If I’m the personal representative of my mother’s estate, what are my rights/responsibilities?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
If I’m the personal representative of my mother’s estate, what are my rights/responsibilities?
My brother predeceased my mother. My sister-in-law wants to talk directly to my attorney but he will charge the estate for his time. Is the estate responsible for paying those charges or is she personally responsible for paying? Also, what expenses can I be reimbursed for – my time, funeral costs, air line tickets?
Asked on December 1, 2013 under Estate Planning, Ohio
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. I am assuming that the Will sets forth what is to be done with your brother's portion of the estate. You sister in law should take that to her attorney to explain the matter. When you say "your attorney" I am assuming that you mean the attorney for the estate, correct? He or she should explain to you all your rights and responsibilities but briefly you have the obligation to marshall (collect) assets, give notice to creditors and pay debt (funeral costs being priority), keep estate assets in good condition (like real estate); have the real estate appraised and generally act in accordance with your Mother's wishes in the Will. Ohio statutes set Executor's fees and yes, you should be reimbursed for costs associated with the execution of your duties. They do so for the attorney's fees as well. Check and see if you will be required to have an in state contact listed with you if you are an out of state executor. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.