Protect people, property, and records

Handle immediate needs without making irreversible estate decisions.

Secure homes, vehicles, mail, pets, and valuable property.
Locate the original will, trust documents, and safe-deposit information.
Order certified death certificates after confirming how each institution accepts copies.
Create one written log for calls, mail, property, expenses, and decisions.
Avoid using the decedent’s cards or distributing property.

Do not assume a will alone gives authority to act for the estate.

First two weeks

Identify the person with legal authority

Determine whether a court appointment, affidavit, or another transfer process is needed.

Read the will for a nominated executor and alternate.
Check the state route and required waiting period.
Contact the correct probate court or clerk for current local forms and fees.
Identify urgent matters that may require a temporary or special appointment.

A nomination in a will is not the same as a court appointment.

Weeks 1–6

Build the asset and debt inventory

Separate probate property from assets with their own transfer mechanism.

Record title, owner, beneficiary, value date, and supporting statement for each asset.
Confirm joint ownership language rather than relying on who used the account.
Request beneficiary confirmation directly from custodians and insurers.
List liens separately from unsecured debts.
Keep estate and personal funds completely separate.

Beneficiary designations and title often control even when a will says something else.

After authority is established

File and notify

Use the route-specific form and complete required notices.

File the current court or affidavit form for the selected route.
Send notices to heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors when required.
Obtain an estate EIN if the estate needs a bank account or tax filing.
Open a dedicated estate account when formal authority permits.
Calendar every response, inventory, creditor, and tax deadline.

Publication and notice requirements can differ by county and route.

During administration

Manage property and claims

Preserve value, document decisions, and resolve valid obligations in priority order.

Maintain insurance and protect real property from loss.
Review each claim before paying it and preserve objections in writing.
Track income, expenses, gains, losses, and executor time.
Obtain appraisals when the route, tax basis, or court requires them.
Do not make early distributions without reserving for claims, tax, and closing costs.

Paying lower-priority claims too early can create personal liability.

Before final distribution

Complete tax and accounting work

Reconcile the estate ledger and determine which returns are required.

Confirm the decedent’s final income-tax filing obligations.
Determine whether the estate earned enough income to require a fiduciary return.
Check state estate or inheritance tax rules independently.
Prepare the accounting in the format required by the route or court.
Resolve compensation and expense reimbursement before closing.

Estate, inheritance, income, and property tax are separate questions.

After claims and tax reserves are resolved

Distribute and close

Document final transfers and satisfy the route’s closing requirements.

Confirm the final distribution shares against the will or intestacy law.
Use receipts, releases, deeds, and assignment documents appropriate to each asset.
Retain a reasonable reserve until final expenses and tax matters clear.
File the closing statement, accounting, or petition required by the route.
Store the final ledger, statements, tax records, and court orders securely.

Closing an account is not the same as legally closing the estate.

Checklist progress is stored only in this browser. It is not a court calendar and does not include every state, county, tax, or case-specific deadline.