What Are the Duties of an Executor?

If you’re planning your estate and creating your will, you will have to choose a reliable executor to handle your estate’s affairs.  It’s important to understand the duties that are required of an executor, so that you choose a trusted helper who is capable of handling all of your affairs.  Take a look at some of the information below, to better understand the responsibilities of an executor.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like help choosing an executor, contact an estate planning – probate attorney.

• An executor is responsible for organizing the estate.

Your executor will be responsible for finding important estate planning documents, determining what assets are part of the estate, and locating assets.  This can be a lengthy process and will require a lot of hard work.  Throughout the process, it’s important for your executor to remain organized with good records.  This will allow the probate process to be handled more smoothly.

• An executor is responsible for probating the estate.

Once the executor locates the will and has an idea of what is part of the estate, he or she must go through the probate process.  Your executor will be responsible for following all court orders.  During the probate process, your executor will be responsible for handling all financial affairs of the estate, including paying debts and taxes.  He or she will also have to communicate with beneficiaries while handling the estate’s affairs.

When choosing an executor, make sure that he or she is willing and able to handle all of the duties that lay ahead.  Your executor should be honest, reliable, organized, and responsible.  It’s important to carefully make this decision so that your affairs are in good hands.  If you have any questions about the duties of an executor, or if you need help selecting an executor, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

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Michael Robinson, Estate Planning Attorney

Clients notice Michael Robinson’s unique approach to his estate planning practice the minute they walk through his office doors.

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