The probate process often isn’t fast. It may take a year or even longer to fulfill the decedent’s financial obligations and distribute the resources included in their estate. The executor or personal representative has to commit to several months or more of correspondence, asset management and record reviews.
They may also need to attend hearings in probate court, including the initial presentation of the will and the completion of the formal probate process. Attending court can be a challenge for some people overseeing estate administration.
Frequently, personal representatives may actually live in another state. Do those who live outside of Kentucky need to return to the state repeatedly to attend probate court hearings?
Representation can limit travel demands
Personal representatives do sometimes need to be personally present in probate court. Those without the support of a lawyer may need to arrange to be present at all hearings.
Thankfully, personal representatives can outsource some of their obligations. If they retain an attorney, the lawyer they hire can typically attend court dates on behalf of the personal representative. The personal representative simply needs to remain in regular contact with their attorney to affirm when their presence is necessary. Often, they can avoid repeated trips or lengthy stays.
Still, judges can potentially compel personal representatives to attend proceedings in certain cases. For the most part, those with legal representation can minimize the number of court appearances necessary and therefore reduce the expense and travel time involved in estate administration.
There are many challenges associated with administering an estate from another state, and those attempting to do so may need legal support. Working with an in-state attorney can be a beneficial decision for those tasked with managing a state administration.