Checklist for Executors: Documents and To-Dos for Estate Settlement in New Jersey
Administering an estate in New Jersey encompasses diverse responsibilities and documentation. Although this checklist offers a broad outline, seeking guidance from legal and financial experts is vital to guarantee adherence to pertinent laws and regulations.
The following is a checklist designed for executors in New Jersey.
11 Documents: Executor Checklist
Death Certificate
Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate. Usually, 7-10 copies are enough, but having a few more is always better than going back and getting more.
Will
Locate the original will. File the will with the Surrogate’s Court in the deceased’s county. In New Jersey, the surrogate will admit the will to probate, which is required by law.
Letters Testamentary
Request letters testamentary from the Surrogate’s Court to officially act as the executor. This will allow the executor to enforce the terms of the will.
Life Insurance Policies
Gather and review all life insurance policies. Notify the insurance companies of the death. You will most likely have to provide one of the copies of the death certificate as well.
Bank Statements
Collect recent bank statements.
Real Estate Documents
Deeds and mortgage documents for all owned properties.
Vehicle Titles
Locate and transfer vehicle titles. You will need an order from the probate court, a certificate of the vehicle’s title, and a copy of the death certificate.
Financial Account Information
List all financial accounts (bank, investment and retirement).
Tax Returns
Gather the deceased’s recent tax returns. If they had an accountant, it would make your work easier by going to that one person.
Social Security Information
Notify the Social Security Administration of the death. You will most likely have to provide a copy of the death certificate.
Business Documents
If the deceased owned a business, gather relevant documents.
14 To-Dos: Executor Checklist
Secure Assets
Safeguard valuable assets and possessions.
Probate Process
File the will and initiate the probate process with the Surrogate’s Court.
Notify Creditors
Publish a notice to creditors in the local newspaper. Notify creditors individually.
Inventory Assets
Prepare a comprehensive inventory of assets.
Valuation of Assets
Obtain appraisals for valuable assets, if required.
Pay Debts and Taxes
Settle outstanding debts and taxes from the estate.
Distribute Assets
Follow the terms of the will to distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Finalize Estate Accounts
Close bank accounts and investment accounts.
Final Tax Returns
File the final income tax return for the deceased.
Estate Tax Filings
Determine if estate taxes are applicable and file accordingly.
Surrogate’s Court Approval
Obtain court approval for the final distribution of assets.
Close the Estate
File a final accounting with the Surrogate’s Court. Obtain a discharge from the court to officially close the estate.
Accounting and Record-Keeping
Maintain detailed records of all communications related to estate settlement.
Professional Assistance
Consult with an estate professional such as the NJ Executor and, if necessary, financial and tax professionals throughout the process. Remember, estate settlement processes can vary, and this checklist is a general guide.
To seek professional advice to ensure compliance with New Jersey laws and regulations, contact NJ Executor here.