ABA Family Legal Guide

Estate Planning

Probate

What can my family do to reduce the costs of probating my estate?

For most estates, you can appoint a nonlawyer as executor (usually a family member) to do most of the work, such as gathering information and records. The executor files the required forms, calculates and pays the taxes, and distributes the estate assets. If the executor has any questions, he or she can consult an experienced estate lawyer. The lawyer may be needed only for court appearances.