How to Be the Worst Personal Representative Ever
Method 1: Ignore the court.
Executors, also called personal representatives, are appointed to manage an estate during the probate process. Even though this process is supervised by the probate court, executors are responsible for most of the important steps. This means you can ignore the court whenever you like, not show up at hearings, be rude to court employees, and otherwise act as if the court is an annoying afterthought.
Method 2: Take advantage of your new position to benefit yourself, your friends, and your family.
If you’ve been suddenly appointed to serve as a personal representative, you may find yourself in the position of having personal control over the decedent’s bank accounts, investments, and other valuable property. Use this property as your own personal entertainment account and indulge in any whim you see fit. Do not act responsibly and manage the property as a fiduciary, keeping the best interests of the beneficiaries in mind.
Method 3: Be your own lawyer.
You don’t need to understand the intricacies of probate laws or court rulings to know how to act as a personal representative. All you have to do is wing it, or better yet, rely on what you see in the movies or on TV. A good Internet connection can be helpful true. After all, if it’s written on the internet it has to be true. There’s absolutely no need to speak to an experienced probate attorney to protect your interests and advise you about properly managing an estate.
Author Bio
Catherine Hammond is the CEO and founder of Hammond Law Group, a Colorado-based estate planning law firm she founded in 2005. With a strong focus on protecting families from the legal consequences of disability and death, she creates comprehensive estate plans that minimize taxes, costs, and government interference.
A native of Denver, Catherine completed her undergraduate studies at Coe College in Iowa, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law in 1993, concentrating on estate planning, tax, and mediation. Catherine is a member of various professional organizations, including WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Colorado Springs Estate Planning Council, and the Purposeful Planning Institute. Beyond her legal expertise, Catherine provides transformational coaching to support clients and their families through life transitions.
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