By appointing an executor to execute these instructions, they are responsible for ensuring everything goes smoothly, however, there are lots of helpful tools available to make their role easier.
This is a position of the enormous responsibility
As an executor, your responsibility is to manage the final wishes of a deceased person. To make sure that debts are paid, and assets distributed according to their last will or testament, use an executor checklist provided by State Trustees as guidance when fulfilling this important duty. But don't forget, you may also need to consider any unrecorded oral instructions they've given in case they weren't written down on paper. It's our honorable job to ensure those intentions come true too.
Locate the original will
If you're the one tasked with sorting out a recently deceased person's estate, your first port of call should be to locate their original will. Ask those closest to them if they have it or check for any paperwork that may provide clues, this document would've been drawn up during the individual's estate planning process and given over as part of the official procedure either by themselves or their solicitor.
In an unfortunate event where no copy is in sight, there are two ways forward: apply for probate or appoint someone else entirely as an executor but take advice before deciding which avenue works best for you. To make sure everything goes ahead without a hitch later on down the line though, whoever takes charge must sign off what has been prepared and agreed upon in writing even minute details can become significant further along into proceedings.
Obtain and take the certified copies of the original will
To protect your interests, it's essential to get certified copies of the original will. That way you can make sure that what lawyers, accountants, or other professionals are looking at is a document trusted by the probate court as an accurate representation of what was written in the first place. Don't forget to bring cash or a cheque (in case they don't accept cards) when stopping by for a pick–up and voila – safekeeping is guaranteed.
Best way to ensure your assets are taken care of properly
Let the experts take care of your assets. Choose a trustee service provider and you'll have access to trusted professionals who can skillfully safeguard everything that matters. These providers understand the compliance requirements set by government regulations, ensuring your assets are protected against fraud and theft.
For instance, a leading prop trading firm Trade View has a reputation for efficiently managing investor funds and following SEC regulations, including anti-money laundering policies. They employ teams of lawyers to provide investors with secure access to lucrative investment opportunities globally, without incurring additional expenses.
Make sure you understand what you're being asked to do
You've been named executor of a will, and it can be an exciting but difficult responsibility. Don't hesitate to ask questions if anything seems unclear or confusing, the lawyer who wrote up the document or another professional should help you come to clarity for everyone involved to understand their roles no matter how challenging it may seem at first glance. Additionally, don’t forget that one important part of being responsible is knowing when not to take on everything even if they were written down in legal documents as saying 'no' might end better than saying yes.
Consult with a lawyer
Appointed executors have rights and responsibilities. If you're in this position, don't get overwhelmed, consider getting legal guidance when needed. There are plenty of resources offering free advice to help make the process easier.
For instance, if a letter of wish is present that specifies payment from the deceased’s estate for professional services instead of those grieving being responsible, such documents serve as evidence in these situations. Furthermore, certain other arrangements may exist where another party would cover costs associated with probate matters.
Don't become involved in family disputes
To be the best executor of a will, you must remain impartial. It's important that in this process, all emotions are set aside, and your focus is solely on fulfilling the duties of an executor with integrity.
Be aware of the law and legal requirements
As an executor of a loved one's estate, it can be tricky to know what you are and aren't allowed to do. With so much unfamiliarity with the law and legal requirements that come into play in this situation, some may suggest things they think will help their case which actually won’t get them very far legally speaking.
Additionally, beneficiaries may try to sway your decisions by making arguments or statements that don’t hold up under scrutiny once looked at more closely – no matter how convincing those ideas might seem initially. Be sure to check out any information before taking action on behalf of the estate as well as consider all opinions carefully when deciding its future disposition.
Liable for paying all creditors before distributing assets
As executor, it is your responsibility to ensure all outstanding debts are taken care of before distributing the deceased's assets. To do so, you'll need comprehensive lists from financial institutions such as banks, credit card companies, and other relevant creditors – this should be done without delay for a seamless process. Remember, not only must existing debtors be paid back but any costs incurred during probate will also require payment before distribution.
Executors have duties that extend beyond distributing assets according to a will's provisions
Executors are responsible for a lot more than just asset distribution. They must settle any outstanding debt, file taxes on the deceased's behalf and potentially pay income or capital gains tax, depending on certain thresholds they may even be held liable if investments were sold after an individual has passed away without their knowledge.
