The People Who Can Help
The short answer
An estate involves legal, money and real estate questions. Bring in the right people in the right order, and keep them talking to each other.
What to do now
Start with a probate attorney
They confirm who has authority and what the court needs.
Get an appraisal before listing
Know the value first, then make decisions.
Add others as needed
A CPA for taxes, a broker to sell, an estate liquidator for the contents.
Estate Administration Takes Several Professionals
Estate administration involves legal, financial, real estate, and logistical work. Having the professionals you need in place, and coordinated with each other, helps prevent costly mistakes and protects everyone involved.
Why a Coordinated Team Matters
A common mistake is dealing with each professional in isolation: consulting the attorney but not the CPA, engaging a real estate agent without getting an appraisal first, or making property decisions before legal authority is established.
When each professional is brought in at the right point and they communicate with each other, administration usually goes far more smoothly than when they work separately.
These are the professionals typically involved.
Finding Independent Professionals
Real Property Planning is a free educational resource on estate administration. It explains what each of these professionals does. Its Find a Professional page lists independent professionals the site's owner has met with personally; you contact and hire them directly, and you are free to choose anyone.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult licensed professionals for guidance specific to your situation.