Executor's First-90-Days Checklist

Right away

• Order 10 to 12 certified copies of the death certificate.
• Find the original will and any trust documents.
• Hire a probate attorney and sign their engagement letter.
• Secure the house: change or rekey locks, and limit who has keys.
• Tell the homeowner's insurance carrier the house is vacant.
• Keep utilities on so the house can be maintained and shown.
• Forward the decedent's mail to yourself.

After the hearing

• Take the oath within 20 days of the court's order.
• Get several certified copies of your letters.
• Get an EIN for the estate from the IRS.
• Open an estate bank account; keep estate money separate.
• Confirm notice to creditors was published.
• Confirm beneficiaries were notified.

Building the inventory

• List every bank, brokerage and retirement account.
• Pull the deed and latest DCAD record for each property.
• Get a date-of-death value for the house from recent nearby sales.
• Photograph valuables before anything leaves the house.
• Appraise jewelry, art, collections and vehicles of real value.
• List debts: mortgage, cards, medical bills, final expenses.
• File the inventory, or the affidavit in lieu, within 90 days.

Running the estate

• Keep a ledger of every dollar in and out.
• Keep property taxes, insurance and the mortgage current.
• Mow, check on the house weekly, and fix small problems early.
• Ask your CPA about the final income tax return.
• Decide with the heirs: keep, rent, sell as-is or prepare and sell.
• Save receipts for every estate expense you pay.