You cannot start handling someone’s estate until they are dead. You can, however, do a lot while they are still alive to make things easier once they die.
The person who knows most about the estate plan is the person making it – the testator – and you won’t be able to ask them for help after they are dead. Take advantage of their insights while you still can. For example:
Learn where to look for things
There is no point wasting time looking for a will or other estate planning documents when the testator could tell you the location in advance. Remind them that if they move things, they should let you know. Also, ensure that you or someone else the person trusts will be able to access them. Keeping a will in a safe deposit box that no one knows the code to is not helpful.
Have the person make a list of their assets
“I leave everything to my daughter” may seem simple, but it’s not if you don’t know what “everything” refers to. Some people have relatively few possessions, but others have multiple properties and accounts and investments all over the place. A list can help you ensure the beneficiaries get everything they are due.
Have the person make a list of their debts
You cannot distribute assets until the probate court is happy you have settled any required debts. Some people keep their debts from their loved ones, perhaps because they feel guilty about having them. However, as an executor, you need to know about all of them.
Get the important details and contacts
The more you know, the more efficiently you can execute the estate plan. A list of vital contacts with telephone numbers and emails can save time. An outline of how the funeral should be can save confusion.
Encourage them to have the difficult conversations
Let’s say the testator tells you they have cut one of their kids out of their will. It will be far easier for you and everyone else if they tell them now, rather than leaving you to be the one to break the bad news.
Remember, you can also seek legal guidance to ease your task when the time comes.