Your executor’s responsibilities will be complicated. That’s why it’s vital to make their job more manageable before they assume their duties. How can you do this?
Here are three tips for helping your executor:
Help them understand their role
It’s possible that the executor you choose has never done this before – they may not be familiar with the role. It can be stressful for such a person to discover they have been named your estate plan’s executor after your death or incapacitation. They will have a lot to learn and do within a short period.
Therefore, it’s crucial to inform them about the appointment earlier. Meet with them to discuss their duties. You should also connect them with the professionals you work with, including your attorney, financial advisor, tax professional and so on. This will allow them to understand their role in depth.
Update your documents
It can be challenging when your executor submits outdated documents to the probate court. You need to update your documents when circumstances in your life change. For example, if you get married/divorced, have a new child/stepchild/grandchild or sell/buy assets.
Ensure you inform your executor of any changes you make. Accordingly, they can quickly discover an outdated document.
Let them know about the location of your documents
Your executor should know where your documents are to make their work easier when probate time comes. Further, ensure that the locations are accessible to your executor.
If you keep your documents in a safe, your executor should have the code. If they are in a locked filing cabinet, give your executor the spare key. If they are in a safe deposit box, your executor should have the right to access it, and so on.
Legal guidance is crucial for executors, as it helps them understand their role and, in turn, serve capably.