EXECUTOR 102: WHAT DO I DO NOW?

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. October 2017. Uncle Herman has just died, and you have been duly selected as the Executor of his Last Will and Testament.  Hopefully, you were forewarned.  Congratulations. You must marshal, preserve, and distribute the assets of the Estate...

EXECUTOR 101: SO YOU’RE AN EXECUTOR

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. September 2017. You have just been notified that you are the executor of your uncle’s will – the uncle whose funeral you attended yesterday. Or, he didn’t die yet, but he confided that fact at the latest family gathering on...

REWRITES

By Tim Barkley. July 2016. “My wife just passed away,” the client said, matter-of-fact mien betrayed by a moistening of the eyes. “She was my power of attorney and executor of my will. I think I need new papers.” “I’m sorry to hear,” the lawyer replied. “When did she...

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO DO? LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

By Tim Barkley. March 2016. The smartphone on the desk erupted in a coruscant display and intermittent insistent buzzing. The readout said “Mrs. Jones.” “Good afternoon, this is Tim,” intoned the lawyer. “How can I help you, Mrs. Jones?” There was a silence. “Hello,...

WHY PROBATE?

By Tim Barkley. October 2014. “Dad’s will leaves everything to me, but when I showed it to the bank they said I needed letters of something. Why can’t they just give me the money?” “Can’t I just go to the broker and cash in Mom’s account?...