Probate

Probate has almost become a scary or intimidating word to so many. You may have heard some horror story as it relates to the probate process. However, it’s important to know that the probate process can be much easier with the help of a good attorney. You can rest easy knowing that the Tennessee probate attorneys at The Higgins Firm will be helping you on your case. Our goal is to make the probate process simple, efficient, and stress-free for you. We understand that you have been through a difficult time. For that reason we try to make it as easy as possible on our clients.

To make it easier on our clients, we offer a flat fee structure, so that you know exactly how much you’ll be charged up front. Our clients don’t have to worry about hourly fees piling up creating a huge bill. Also at The Higgins Firm, we offer specialized probate attorneys. Their main focus is to help you with your probate matters. Recently, attorney Jim Higgins was interviewed about the probate process in Tennessee. You can learn more about the probate process and how The Higgins Firm can help you below.

So you have just been appointed to be the personal representative of an estate? You may be wondering, “What in the world is that, and what do I do?” There’s no need to worry. We will outline what a personal representative is exactly and what duties that they have.

A personal representative, also known as an executor/executrix or administrator in some jurisdictions, manages the affairs of a person’s estate upon their death. There are certain duties that the personal representative must adhere to as apart of the position. Specifically, the personal representative has fiduciary duties that he or she must follow. While these duties do not require absolute perfection in the administration of the estate, it does demand absolute loyalty, honesty, and disclosure. Breaching these duties may result in the personal representative being held personally responsible for any damages or losses from the breach.

Acting as a personal representative requires a duty of loyalty to the estate and its beneficiaries. You are required to act in the interests of the estate. Any type of self-dealing that hurts the estate is prohibited. You also have the duty to act prudently as a personal representative. In other words, you must exercise reasonable care and administer the estate in a diligent manner. You should not place the assets in high-risk investments.

Articles Tagged with Probate

Explaining the Probate Process in Tennessee

Being Named Personal Representative of an Estate