G uardians of L egacy How Personal Representatives Manage Estates and Assets
In probate law, a personal representative manages a deceased person’s estate and assets. This individual has an important role and must act diligently to protect an estate in good faith. From managing debts to identifying beneficiaries or heirs, let’s explore what executors or administrators of an estate are responsible for. An executor is either named in the will or appointed by the court and is responsible for managing the money and property of a person who has passed on. The court selects an administrator for people who do not have a will. Each has a to-do list of items and can be held liable if they don’t properly administer an estate. Before a personal representative can act on an estate, they have to file for what are called letters of administration with the court. Only then can they proceed with the will, if there is one, and distribute assets correctly.
Some of the best ways to do that are by looking at title records, doing an asset search, or even looking in the person’s mail. Of course, if there is a will, the representative should cross- reference those other documents to be sure nothing is missing. The representative must also locate and notify any possible heirs and benefactors, especially if the deceased didn’t leave a will. Personal representatives must also notify creditors of the decedent’s death and pay any money owed before awarding disbursements to beneficiaries. Heirs often think they are entitled to the money because they were named in the will, but they can only be awarded if assets are left over after all debts have been paid. They must also ensure the estate has its own bank account and must keep meticulous records, as they may need to report financial information to the court.
If you’ve been selected as a personal representative, you’re stepping into a role of immense responsibility and trust. It’s not just about managing assets; it’s about ensuring a loved one’s legacy is honored and their wishes fulfilled.
A personal representative needs to do several things right at the beginning of the process. They need to identify the assets of the deceased person they will be managing.
The Heartbeat of The Manely Firm’s Paralegal Team M eet J ulie W atkins At The Manely Firm, our team diligently works behind the scenes to help clients through tough times. Their
She worked for a criminal law firm for a year before moving to a family law firm. With her commitment to giving clients her very best, she felt that her last firm didn’t give her the space and energy to provide the proper service. So, she began seeking a firm she knew would empower her to have more impact. Her favorite part of working at The Manely Firm is the diversity of the people and the work. She feels a calling to family law because she likes to see a case from start to finish and take that journey right by the client’s side. “I’ve been through a divorce, thankfully not an ugly one, but I can understand them as a parent or co-parent myself. I can be empathic and understanding of what they are going through. I like helping them understand the process and not be scared.”
empathy for others and passion for doing good strengthen us, and we love celebrating their unique stories. When we decided to create the new position of Paralegal Manager in December, Julie Watkins was the perfect woman for the job! As the liaison between our paralegal and management teams, Julie brings enthusiasm and dedication to this vital role. Julie is responsible for various management tasks, such as tracking the paralegals’ performances, answering questions, managing PTO and vacations, and relaying new policies and procedures to the team. She also takes on regular paralegal duties.
“It takes great time management, organization, and just being able to listen to both sides of the fence,” she says.
When Julie isn’t leading the paralegal team, she loves reading, traveling, and attending craft shows.
Julie had an exciting mid-life career change after working in transportation and logistics for years, working for major trucking companies and retailers like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. She moved back to Georgia, and the firm she worked for downsized, phasing out the brokerage side. Julie was looking for a new career path, so she took her love of law and returned to school to obtain her paralegal certificate.
Julie said she wants people to know that in family law, we are happiest when a couple can reconcile, find a good path forward, and be satisfied in the end. “I’m excited every day to help clients achieve that light at the end of the tunnel.”
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