Asking a loved one to serve as your executor requires preparation. It’s vital to approach the topic from the right angle and be equipped with satisfactory answers to questions they may ask.
So, how should you hold the conversation?
Explain your choice
When you inform your loved one you wish to appoint them as your estate’s executor, it can be helpful to explain your choice. State the qualities you identified in them that made you choose them.
Provide a detailed description of their duties
It’s fair if your loved one understands their expected responsibilities before accepting the role. Thus, explain to them their duties in-depth, including:
- Staying informed about the estate
- Working closely with any others involved in your estate
- Making funeral arrangments
- Obtaining certified copies of the death certificate
- Submitting your will to probate
- Communicating with beneficiaries and interested parties
- Paying debts
- Managing the estate before distribution
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries, etc.
Let them know your estate planning team can help them understand their duties.
Tell them it can take time
Your executor should know from the word go that the role they are about to accept can be time-consuming. It can take time to deal with government agencies, identify assets, file taxes, pay debts and so forth. An executor may also need to travel to perform some tasks.
If your chosen party has a demanding career or life, it may be overwhelming for them to serve as your executor.
Inform them to take time before giving an answer
Inform your loved one they can take time before responding to your request. They don’t need to offer an immediate answer.
Asking someone to be your executor can go smoothly with the above-discussed tips. You also need to make informed decisions regarding other estate-related matters.
