Q: As executrix of my aunts estate, I'm confused about who I turn my expenses in to and how they should be organized.
The lawyer that did my aunts will is not returning phone calls so I have no idea how to proceed. I have a list of travel expenses (I'm in TX and had to make several trips to TN to handle aunts estate). How do I recoup my money? Who do I turn the receipts in to? Do I just submit receipts and let them add it up? Bank statements? So confused!
A: Reasonable fees and expenses incurred in the administration of the estate are a priority expense of the estate, and this includes attorneys fees incurred by the executor in helping the executor complete the administration. Keep your receipts, you may need to file them with the court clerk as part of your final accounting. However, many estates are settled without a formal court appearance and accounting by having all the heirs sign a "receipt and waiver" but to do this, you will have to get all your figures ready and disclose to those heirs what your propose as a final distribution. I strongly suggest you consult an experience probate attorney to assist you.
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