Many people undertake estate planning to prepare for their eventual incapacitation or death. Upon death, many people leave behind assets and an estate that needs to be administered according to their wishes. Unfortunately, the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets is not always simple. There can be pending lawsuits with other people, an overall lack of knowledge about asset value, or the assets need to be protected right away for whatever reason.
These circumstances may require the appointment of a special administrator. We can explain what special administration in Phoenix probate means and how a lawyer can assist with this matter. If you have specific questions about special administration, a knowledgeable probate attorney from Dayes Law Firm can provide guidance. Contact us today to learn more about what we do.
What Is a Special Administrator?
A special administrator is an individual who is informally appointed by a probate court. This is a temporary position until a general personal representative can be appointed. Under Arizona law, the special administrator is commonly someone close to the deceased, such as a surviving spouse, adult child, other family member, close friend, or someone else entitled to a share of the estate. The special administrator has the power to collect and manage assets of the estate, account for them, preserve them, and provide them to the eventual appointed personal representative.
The Process of Becoming a Special Administrator in Phoenix
Those interested in becoming a special administrator of an estate can seek appointment by filing a petition with the court. The court then schedules a hearing to evaluate the case and determine if a special administrator is needed. This decision is typically made through the judge’s consideration of the documents presented and without need for oral arguments.
How a Lawyer Can Assist with Special Administration Matters?
Often, despite the importance of gathering and accounting for an individual’s assets, the person who is appointed as special administrator was close to the deceased and has little experience in doing this sort of task. A Phoenix lawyer can provide many services to assist a special administrator as they navigate the probate they’ve been appointed to participate in, including:
- Filing paperwork needed for the special administrator to be named an executor or personal representative
- Representing them at court hearings
- Reviewing the will to determine how assets are to be distributed
- Locating and securing assets
A lawyer may also assist in communicating with creditors who have claims against the estate to ensure that those matters are resolved.
Call Our Team and Learn More About Special Administration in Phoenix Probate
One thing that nearly all probate matters have in common is that they’re stressful. Special administration in Phoenix probate is not exception. Our team provides the legal advocacy and support needed as you navigate the ins and outs of probate. We handle probate cases on a flat fee, and we are able to handle multi-jurisdictional matters, with members of our team able to work in certain other states.
For more information about special administration, or for answers to the probate questions you have, give us a call now.
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