Families have a way of moving apart – geographically speaking – over time. Sometimes, retiring parents move to warmer locales. Other times, their children may leave the state where they grew up in pursuit of relationships or career opportunities.
When someone dies in Kentucky, the person they chose is the personal representative of their estate might live elsewhere. That scenario can lead to a host of practical challenges. Thankfully, the personal representative of a Kentucky estate has the option of hiring an in-state attorney to assist them throughout the probate process. Usually, the estate itself covers the cost of that representation. The following are some of the reasons that a personal representative may need the help of a Kentucky attorney during probate proceedings.
Minimizing in-person appearances
Frequently, the personal representative of an estate needs to appear in probate court for a variety of different hearings. Someone who has already secured in-state representation can potentially avoid being personally present at most hearings. Their attorney can also facilitate their attendance of necessary hearings via telecommunication systems. With an in-state lawyer, a personal representative knows there should be someone present at all hearings without needing to repeatedly travel to the state.
Handling local challenge
Some of the most important responsibilities for a personal representative involve physically locating and handling estate resources. A lawyer can help someone find support from local professionals in Kentucky who can secure a private residence and collect personal possessions from a rental space.
Explaining Kentucky laws
Kentucky has unique statutes that govern estate administration. For example, there is an inheritance tax that may apply when people other than the immediate members of an individual’s family inherit property from their estate. Those laws may be very different than the probate laws with the representative lives.
An attorney can help educate the personal representative about their obligations and the obligations of the estate, as well as its beneficiaries, to avoid mistakes that could have financial consequences. The sooner an out-of-state personal representative secures representation in Kentucky, the less they’ll have to worry about properly fulfilling their obligations during estate administration. Preparing for the often-extended probate process in Kentucky can help personal representatives fulfill their responsibilities and minimize their personal liability.