Someone passing away is a tragic and upsetting occurrence and can be hard to know how to cope. Finding out that you have legal obligations during this time can only make the experience more difficult. Being in someone else’s Will should be considered an honor, but if you have never gone through the process of being granted property it can be hard to know what to do. There are a few steps that should be taken if you find out you were included in a loved one’s Will, to ensure that you and your new property is protected.
Speak to the lawyer
Prior to someone’s death, if they have a Will, they will have hired a Longmont estate attorney. A Longmont estate lawyer is someone who ensures the proper division of the deceased person’s estate. It is important to speak to them before doing anything, as they will be able to help you through the process and let you know what is expected of you. There will be meetings involved in order to dole out property and you will have to attend in order to receive what you have been given. They will also let you know what paperwork is expected of you. Speaking to a professional can make the process of receiving property much less overwhelming as they will help you through the process.
Find out who the executor is
The executor of the Will helps to divide up the person’s estate as instructed in the Will. The executor of the Will is usually someone of the deceased knew and trusted. If a person dies without a Will, the executor will be responsible for dividing up the property as they see fit. The executor will be named prior to the death and will likely know that they are the executor of the deceased persons of state. It is unlikely that you will find out you were the executor if the person has already passed. Finding out who the executor is will make receiving property much easier as you will know exactly who you are dealing with.
Be patient and let yourself mourn
The process of dividing up someone’s estate is a long one so there is no point rushing the process. Allow yourself to mourn the deceased and give yourself time to heal before approaching the issue of the Will. Dividing up an estate can take months or even years if there are conflicts or appeals. Be prepared for the process to take a long time and take a deep breath. Remember that the deceased wanted you to have something of theirs out of love and caring, rather than to stress you out, so take comfort and know that it will all work out in time.