4 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Executor for Your Will

Appointing an executor for your will is an essential part of the estate planning process. This is the person you’ll choose to be in charge of representing your estate, wrapping up your affairs, and distributing your assets after you’ve passed away. Because the duties of an executor are often complex and challenging to handle, it’s important to give careful thought to who should fill the role. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding on the best candidate for the job.

What to think about before naming an executor

1. Trustworthiness
Whoever takes on the position of the executor will have access to your personal and financial information. For this reason, you’ll want them to be someone you can trust to keep the details of your estate private. Additionally, you should be confident that they’ll honor your wishes and manage your affairs according to the instructions left in your will.


2. Organizational Skills

Administering an estate comes with many legal responsibilities, such as taking inventory of assets, paying bills, attending probate court, and maintaining communication with beneficiaries. Thus, the executor you pick must be well organized and detail-oriented. They must be capable of keeping orderly records to ensure each task is done properly.


3. Interpersonal Intelligence
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an emotional time, and it’s common for conflict to arise among family members and heirs of an estate. Thus, it’s crucial to have an executor who can stay neutral in situations of adversity and help resolve disputes. They must have the patience and capacity to relate well to others and effectively interact with beneficiaries who could otherwise become uncooperative.


4. Location
For practical reasons, it’s better to name an executor who resides in the same state as you. They may be required to oversee matters daily for weeks or months, which will be much harder for them to do if they live far away. However, if you must choose someone out of state, they can work with a local estate planning attorney to help take care of tasks in person.

 

 

At Beard Law Firm LLC in West Plains, MO, helping the residents of Howell County prepare for the future is a top priority. Backed by over 20 years of estate planning experience, we can provide solid advice on selecting an executor and all other aspects of writing a will. We are  knowledgeable attorneys and are qualified to assist you in creating a comprehensive plan that suits your unique needs. Call (417) 255-0320 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about our services.