Personal Representative Lawyers in Loveland
Guiding You Through
Being named the personal representative of an estate can be overwhelming. During this challenging time, you deserve support from experienced professionals. At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., our Loveland personal representative lawyers will develop a customized approach to help you navigate any probate obstacles and confidently fulfill your loved one's final wishes. From the moment you learn of your role as a personal representative to the distribution of the final asset, we'll be by your side every step of the way.
What It Means to be a Personal Representative
A personal representative, known in other states as an executor, is the group or individual that has been designated to oversee the estate of a loved one who has passed away. Depending on the estate itself, this designation can come with many responsibilities, including:
- Notifying heirs and beneficiaries
- Reviewing and paying outstanding debts or taxes
- Ensuring assets are distributed according to the loved one’s wishes
- Managing ongoing estate needs
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but with experienced estate attorneys by your side, like those here at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., you can successfully fulfill your legal obligations.
How Our Loveland Probate Team Can Assist
Lean on our 30+ years of expertise to get you through this trying time. Our personal representative lawyers in Loveland will tailor an approach that complements your unique situation.
From there, our team will guide you through the probate process, prepare all necessary documents, and ensure deadlines are adhered to. With our assistance, you can focus on what matters most: fulfilling the wishes of your loved one. Our team will handle the rest.
We’ve helped many satisfied clients navigate this challenging time and are here to do the same for you.
Get Legal Support From Our Compassionate Team
Carrying out a loved one’s wishes can be overwhelming. Let Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. help relieve your legal burden. Reach out to learn about the specific ways we can support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a personal representative is not named?
There is nothing that guarantees a decedent will have named a personal representative. If the decedent died without a will or did not include that important note in their will, then Colorado law lists the persons who have priority to be appointed personal representative. However, sometimes there is a "tie," and several people have equal priority.
This is common when an unmarried person dies but is survived by children. The children all have equal rights to be appointed a personal representative. If the children all agree on who should assume the role of the personal representative, those who will not act can resign their right to be appointed. Don't assume that the oldest should be chosen, though, as this is often not the case.
What are the duties of a personal representative?
A personal representative is always appointed by the court, even if the deceased left a will. Once appointed, the personal representative has several duties. One of the most important is to put the interests of the estate in front of the personal representative's own interests, which is called fulfilling a fiduciary duty. The personal representative may not favor one heir or beneficiary over another, and they must do their deliberate best to follow the instructions laid out before them to the letter.
The personal representative of an estate must:
- Collect and inventory the assets of the estate
- Manage the assets during the probate process
- Pay the final bills of the deceased
- Make distributions to the heirs or beneficiaries
How is the personal representative appointed if they are not named in the will?
If the will does not name a personal representative, or if the named individual is unable to serve, the probate court will appoint a personal representative. Typically, the court follows a priority order, often starting with the closest relatives, to select a suitable candidate who is willing and able to perform the duties.
Can a personal representative decline their role?
Yes. If they choose to do so, they must formally renounce their duties, and the court will appoint someone else, following the legal procedure for selection based on the hierarchy of relatives or other eligible individuals.
Who might be an ideal personal representative?
Generally, the person must be a legal adult and of sound mind. Some states may have restrictions against individuals with felony convictions. Non-residents of the state may serve, but there could be additional requirements, such as posting a bond or appointing a local agent.
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