The Duties Every Executor Must Perform
It comes with much responsibility to be the executor of an estate. For those who are unprepared, the duty can seem daunting. However, many find that if they keep putting one foot in front of the other and get support from an estate planning lawyer, they eventually reach the point of estate conclusion in better hands than if they had gone at it alone. Here are examples of duties that every executor must perform:
Knowing where important documents are kept.
The executor’s job will be much easier if they know where important documents related to the estate are located, such as deeds, will, partnership documents, insurance policies, and other estate planning paperwork. Testators can prevent their executors from having to do an extensive search if they create an organized file.
Following the testator’s burial/funeral preferences.
Does the decedent want a small wake, cremation ceremony, or something else? These preferences may be expressed to the executor before the testator dies, or will be written within their estate plan. Carrying on the burial and funeral preferences will be a delicate matter to handle, especially for those closest to the deceased.
Talking with beneficiaries about the estate.
The executor of a will must communicate effectively with the beneficiaries of the estate. If the executor does not fulfill their duties in a fair manner, it may cause turbulence within the family dynamic. An executor should be someone who is responsible, diplomatic in hard times, organized, and willing to ask for help from an estate planning professional if needed.
As our Will Executor Lawyer have told clients in the past, it’s imperative that executors get the support they need in such a serious role. This person will need to carry out the wishes of the deceased so their legacy can be passed onto future generations to come.