Being appointed an executor of an estate is a high stress job much of the time due to the numerous requirements of the job. The most obvious stress is when there are disputes among the heirs which places the executor, often times an heir as well, into a difficult position of playing referee among their relations. In addition, the requirement to safeguard estate property can be a hassle of no small proportion when friends and family flood the residence of the deceased and get grabby when it comes to personal property. These issues, and others, make it imperative that any executor that is chosen be of the proper mindset to handle the position. Someone that is organized and able to stand their ground against pressure from loved ones would be a good choice especially if they are able to remain detached and fair in most circumstances. No matter who is chosen, however, they should be told upfront about the potential hazards of the position since many executors take the job with little understand of the true level of responsibility. Being saddled with a burdensome job without knowing what you are getting into creates more stress than anything once reality sets in so being forthright about the duties of the position is essential.
See Augusta Dwyer, Being executor of a will likely ‘most stressful experience you’ll ever have’, The Globe & Mail, January 13, 2016.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
