Who Should I Name as My Executor?

Naming an executor of your estate is an important step in estate planning. Your executor will play a critical role in carrying out your wishes after your passing. They will be responsible for carrying out the instructions laid out in your will, including managing assets and distributing them according to your wishes. But who should you name as your executor?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the size and complexity of your estate, whether you have minor children or dependents with special needs, and how familiar the potential executor is with financial matters. It’s important to choose someone who is trustworthy, organized, and willing to take on this responsibility when it comes time. In this blog post, we’ll look at some factors to consider when choosing an executor for your estate.

What Is an Executor?

An executor is an individual, typically named in a will, who is responsible for carrying out the instructions laid out by the deceased. Their responsibilities include overseeing and managing the deceased’s assets to ensure they are distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.

What Are the Challenges of Serving as an Executor?

Serving as an executor of someone's estate is an important responsibility and can be a daunting task. It’s important to ensure that the right person is chosen for the role. Even though legal and financial assistance may be available to help the executor in fulfilling their duties, there are still many challenges that come with the job.

Some of the most common challenges that executors can face include:

•Time commitment: Serving as an executor of an estate can take a considerable amount of time and energy. It can involve sorting through assets and liabilities, paying off debts, filing tax returns, distributing funds according to the deceased's wishes, and dealing with difficult family members or other parties who may have conflicting interests.

•Complexity: Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, managing the wishes of the deceased can be a difficult endeavor. Executors may need to familiarize themselves with different laws and regulations to properly administer the estate. Additionally, they must ensure that all funds are distributed in accordance with state law and any applicable taxes are paid.

•Legal responsibilities: Executors have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the estate in accordance with state law and in a manner that follows the deceased's wishes as laid out in their will. If any mistakes are made or if funds are distributed improperly or negligently, executors may be held liable for any resulting losses or damages.

What Makes a Good Executor?

Generally speaking, a good executor should be a person that you know and trust implicitly to follow your wishes as laid out in your will.

However, there are many qualities that are worth considering when choosing an executor, including:

• Trustworthy: The person you name as your executor should be someone you trust completely. They will have access to all your financial information and assets, so it’s crucial that they are a dependable person who can manage this responsibility in an honest and ethical manner.

•Objective: Your executor should be someone who can serve in the role without being biased toward any particular individual or group of individuals. This can be especially important when blended families are involved or when there is preexisting conflict in your family.

•Diplomatic: Serving as an executor often requires a certain amount of diplomacy, especially when navigating difficult family dynamics or individuals who may not agree with your last wishes as they are laid out in your will.

•Organized: Serving as an executor for an estate requires meticulous organization and attention to detail. Your chosen executor should be capable of keeping track of paperwork, filing legal forms, and handling other important tasks associated with administering an estate.

•Knowledgeable: Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, some financial knowledge may be necessary to properly manage the assets and liabilities. It’s important to select someone who has a level of experience with finances that reflects the needs of your estate or someone who is willing and able to learn what they need in order to effectively perform their duty as executor.

•Compassionate: If there are minors or dependents with special needs named in the will, it is essential that your chosen executor be compassionate towards them during this difficult time. The ability to empathize with these individuals and provide stability in their lives can help ensure that their needs are being taken care of properly.

A good executor should also be available when needed and willing to take on this important role when the time comes. It’s important to make sure that you select someone who understands the gravity of this responsibility and is committed to managing your estate according to your wishes after you pass away.

Finally, it’s wise to discuss your plans with any potential executors before naming them in your will so they understand what will be expected of them if they are selected for this role. This can help ensure that everyone involved is knowledgeable about what needs to happen when it comes time for the administration of your estate. Knowing exactly what responsibilities they will have ahead of time can help alleviate any surprise or confusion once the process begins.

At Scaringi Law, our experienced estate planning attorneys can help guide you as you create a will, including the process of choosing an appropriate executor. We can also provide legal support to clients who believe that an estate’s executor is not fulfilling their duty to the deceased’s will.

If you are looking for support with estate planning or probate, contact us by filling out our online form or call us at (717) 775-7195 to schedule a consultation.