Creditors in Georgia have three months from the date the notice is published to file their claims (O.C.G.A. § 53-7-41). If creditors fail to meet this deadline, they generally lose their right to collect the debt from the estate. Executors are not required to take action on claims filed after the deadline.
To make a claim in an estate, the creditor must go through the court system. The creditor first files a Statement of Claim in the probate matter for the decedent, or the person who died.
But in some circumstances, the probate court may require the fiduciary to obtain an executor or administrator bond. An administrator executor, fiduciary, or personal representative bond is a type of court bond required to safeguard the estate and ensure that the wishes of the decedent are carried out.
An executor in Georgia typically has six months to a year to settle an estate. However, the exact timeline can vary based on the estate's complexity and any disputes. Here are the key steps and what to expect.
If an interested party believes that an Executor has committed acts requiring removal, they can hire an Estate Litigation Attorney to petition for that fiduciary's removal. Further, if the Executor's wrongful act has damaged the Estate, the Attorney can also Petition to force the Executor to file a Formal Account.
No action to recover a debt due by the decedent shall be commenced against the personal representative until the expiration of six months from the date of qualification of the first personal representative to serve.
The executor must ensure that the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries ing to the testator's wishes and in compliance with applicable laws. Any deviation from the testator's intentions, with the intent to cheat beneficiaries, would be a breach of the executor's fiduciary duty.
Those conditions normally involve refraining from using or possessing alcohol, firearms, and drugs (unless prescribed by a physician) while out on bond, not violating any other laws while out on bond, and in cases of violence, having no contact with the victim in the case.