How to manage grief as the personal representative of an estate
As the personal representative of an estate in Denver, you may be going through this difficult experience with immense emotion while simultaneously trying to handle the details of the probate process.
Losing a loved one is one of the most painful events someone can experience. We’ve met with hundreds of personal representatives over the past 11 years and the sadness and anger can feel crippling and we don’t always allow ourselves the time to really grieve because the paperwork is a lot to handle on it’s own.
As the Personal Representative of an estate in Denver, you may be going through this hard experience while also trying to handle the details of what the court needs from you. Handling that combination demands more than anything else self-compassion and a willingness to ask for help when you need it.
Grief is normal and will happen.
Anyone that has read about the 5 Stages of Grief knows we as humans all go through it at some point in our lives. Sadly, grief doesn’t just go away because it’s uncomfortable nor does it go away because you have other responsibilities.
“Persistent, traumatic grief can cause us to cycle (sometimes quickly) through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. These stages are our attempts to process change and protect ourselves while we adapt to a new reality.” says Caitlin Stanaway, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, UWCC
Even though probate is something that needs to be finished if you’re assigned as the personal representative allow yourself enough time to actually go through things emotionally too. People grieving the loss of a family member or friend feel more than just sadness. They do experience anger, frustration and fear. Whatever you are dealing with is okay.
Losing someone you love is one of the most stressful and painful events you can experience. The sadness and anger can feel crippling, and we don’t always allow ourselves the time to really grieve.As the executor of an estate, you may be navigating this difficult emotional experience while simultaneously trying to handle the details of a probate process. Managing that combination requires, more than anything else, self-compassion and a willingness to seek help when you need it.
Have a house for sale in probate in Denver? We buy houses and have in probate plenty of times and are here to help. Learn more.
You must ask for help
You may want to delay the process of probate for as long as possible but being assigned the personal representative in Denver means taking on quite a bit of responsibility. But support from family and having a team is vital during the this process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
During this time a lot of people won’t understand what you’re dealing with. They think it’ll be only the grieving of someone who has passed away but when most personal representatives try to explain they also don’t have much time to socialize because of being tasked with probate it will be frustrating. Often, loved ones want to help during difficult times, but they won’t know how so you’ll need time. For those willing to help, definitely take it. Just because you’ve been assigned the personal representative role doesn’t mean you have to do it all.
Walk away and take a break
Most probate cases take a few months in Colorado. There will be a lot of paperwork and distribution of finalize the estate of someone’s entire life. Think about that. You’re tasked with closing out all the debts and affairs of someone’s entire life. You’re allowed to walk away. This isn’t something that needs to be handled in 1 month.
Take a day off from all the probate responsibilities. Go for a walk. Watch a movie with family. Meditate. Do whatever is necessary to stay in a peace.
Have a house for sale in probate in Denver? Did you know you can sell a house in probate at any time during the process? You don’t have to wait until probate is complete in order to sell a house. If you’d like to see what we can offer, click here to being or give us a call at 303-997-2045.
Disclaimer: We are real estate investors, not attorneys. Please seek professional legal advice and counsel while in probate. We can only simply offer to purchase property.
