The bereaved are often concerned about immediate duties after the passing of a loved one and before their appointment with an attorney. Here are a few items that the personal representative can start work on:
- Complete and pay for funeral arrangements (If a person other than the deceased pays for this expense they are allowed to be reimbursement later in probate, but only if there are enough funds to pay other senior creditors first.)
- Secure the home
- Check on valuables
- See to the well-being of any pets
- If personal property is taken by others after the deceased dies, the personal representative should obtain a receipt from the person holding the property and make sure to let them know that it is not legally their property until authorized in probate proceeding.
- Exercise due diligence but remember probate takes time, be kind to yourself.
