Though you hear the term consistently, there is no such thing as Closing an Estate. Probate instructions never tell you how to “Close the Estate,” because it never actually happens. The term refers to the distribution of the estate’s final assets, which typically means that the Executor has run out of things to do.
The executor is always the executor. For example, let’s say 20 years after the deceased’s death, the personal representative discovers a previously unknown bank account. The executor may have distributed all other assets 19 years before, but the executor still has the right to gather this new bank account. The executor still has this power because the estate never closed; it just ran out of things to do. The administrator’s power remains. But, the executor’s liability also remains.
Because the executor is responsible forever, the administrator should receive a release of liability before distributing any funds. Without a release, a beneficiary could years later bring a Surcharge Action. The personal representative, now without any estate funds to pay his lawyer, must respond. Even if the charges are baseless, the executor is stuck paying the legal bill. Instead, before making any distribution, the administrator should insist on receiving a release. If beneficiaries refuse, the executor is free to file a Formal Accounting. If the judge approves the accounting, the executor is discharged.
With a release, the administrator can distribute the assets with confidence. With the distribution of all assets, the executor is said to have “closed the estate.” But, the executor still retains the power to gather newly discovered assets and address future complaints. The executor should not take the job lightly.
If you have any questions about Closing an Estate or The Probate Process, feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation. For more than two decades Klenk Law has focused only on Estate Law. We’ve seen it all, and this experience allows us to explain complex estate law and Probate techniques clearly and concisely. We make it easy for you to understand The Probate Process so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Peter Klenk is the founding member of Klenk Law, a seven attorney boutique estate planning law firm. We serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota and Florida. Peter Klenk received his Masters in Taxation LL.M. from NYU Law School and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served his country in the Navy JAGC during Desert Storm. Easy to talk to, feel free to call Peter for an appointment. We will make the process as easy as possible!
"I worked for Peter Klenk for 4 wonderful years. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone at the firm. Everyone truly cares about their clients and has a strong sense of responsibility to get things done right. I would highly recommend Klenk Law!"
Flora Novick
I was referred to Peter after my divorce to put documents together to protect my assets. He suggested a number of documents that would help protect my children and their future. Also, he put together wills, power of attorney and living wills. I initially spoke with him on the phone, he took 30-40 minutes to understand my situation and explain the benefits of having such documents. After a week or two, I met with him in his office and signed the documents. Everything else was remote phone calls and emails. He re-explained these documents and what whom to share. I am in good hands.
I have had Peter Klenk prepare and revise my will. Always professional, knowledgeable and offers great advice. Highly recommend
Very knowledgeable! Peter Klenk always has a thorough answer, and the associates have more experience than you'll find at most firms. They really only do estate work.
I met Peter soon after he started his practice in Philadelphia, PA. He and his team have always been there for me and my various inquiries throughout my life-changing events, corporate relocations. I have lived in various cities throughout the nation, I have never had a problem in contacting Peter or a member of his team. He and his office responds quickly and returns calls to me to fulfill my requests for information or to revise my estate needs while posing relevant thought-provoking questions that I need to consider to secure my future. One of Peter's best qualities is his ability to answer clients complicated questions in a simple way to ensure comprehension.
When it came down to picking the right attorney to handle my affairs, I knew right away it was this firm. From speaking to their secretary to speaking to Peter I knew I was making the right decision. After only a few mins Peter knew right away what I was looking for and handled all my questions professionally and even gave me great feedback that put my mind at ease. All that without even giving a single penny! So of course I hired him! So far so good...
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