Settle debts and taxes according to state law and court direction; keep the estate account separate from personal funds
Managed by the executor or successor trustee, following state law and the probate court's direction.
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
Managed by the executor or successor trustee, following state law and the probate court's direction.
How
Open a separate estate checking account under the estate EIN and never mix estate money with your own.
Publish or mail notice to creditors as your state requires, which starts the clock on the claims period.
Pay valid claims in the priority order your state sets, since administration costs and taxes usually come before general creditors.
Do not pay debts personally, and do not pay any claim before you are satisfied the estate is solvent.
What to bring
The estate EIN and a dedicated estate bank account
Statements for every debt, loan, and credit card
Notice to creditors as required in your state
Timing
Creditor claim periods commonly run 3 to 6 months from notice, depending on the state.
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.