I feel guilty asking these questions as my Mom is still with my, but I am trying to plan ahead for emotional and financial reasons . Moms funeral is all pre-paid, she did it many years ago. I am her full time caregiver in my home, her Executer of her Will, DPOA, Trustee, and on her Health Care proxy. I have documented and accounted for every dime spent of my Moms money just in case of nasty sibling issues. Anyone know what happens after death as far as my duties? Do I need a lawyer to give the siblings my documentations, the Trust, Will, etc, or do I just mail it to them? There is no money left, only her monthly money which zeros out monthly. All was to be divided equally but there is no money in anything, Will her pre paid funeral need hundreds of dollars in flowers, newspaper costs,etc? I just do not know what to expect, at all. This is on my mind, also how I do not want to even see my siblings and I fear arguments at the funeral. I sure hope they dont start anything. Its going to be private and I almost wish I didnt even have to tell them as they have hardly any time for her when she is alive. Do I get pictures and a ulogy ready? I know nothing really and any help is much appreciated. Thank you.
In my opinion, do what you want.
After your Mom passes and the funeral is complete, gather an inventory of her assets. Visit your county surrogate court. (Actually, you can contact them now if time permits. They often have pamphlets that describe your duties as executor of the will. If the trust holds assets, you can inquire about that as well.
Some people like to hire an attorney to handle the estate, but for one as simple as you describe, you may be able to handle it on your own.
When time was near for my loved one, I dragged the executor (kicking and screaming) to the funeral home to assure we had everything in place. I was POA. There were things that had to be cleared up and I was glad we could do it without the pressure of the death. You can also draft the obit and review it before publication. Enjoy the time you have left with your Mom. We are thinking of you.
RR