We did a crappy job filling out the estate inventory form. What’s going to happen? Fairfax county

[Anonymous]

My father died earlier this year. I am the executor and only heir. DH and I have both been so busy and totally stressed. We rushed to fill out the Estate inventory form this morning and sent it off. Now I’m realizing what a poor job we did. We put the amount wrong for one checking account. We put a combined amount for several accounts all at the same bank, I’m realizing we should have listed these separately. Also we completely left off one asset worth about 25K. of course I should have planned better and completed the form earlier. But what’s going to happen now? Will they recognize my crappy job and ask me to do it again? Will the court just accept what I sent? I am the only heir so no one is going to contest it. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It kind of depends on whether there is a mistake on the face of the document. They don't have access to the accounts in order to fact check you. However, the good news is that you can absolutely amend these; in fact, it tends to be expected, due to how often newly-discovered accounts, etc. end up popping up.

Also, your job is a lot easier if you are both the executor and only heir. I would not worry too much.

[Anonymous]

You are very fortunate you don't have difficult siblings involved. Yes, just amend. As long as you are honest when you amend, I don't see an issue. It's like quarterly taxes. Our accountant makes an estimate, then adjusts when she has more info and we change the payment.

[Anonymous]

Worst case, they call you or return it and have you fix it. I messed up guardianship paperwork before and they were super nice and told me how to fix it, I did and no big deal.