The task of being an executor of an estate is no small matter since it entails a tremendous amount of responsibility over the property of another while potentially being exposed to personal liability. Even when the estate is small those issues remain and may require the executor to resolve thorny questions with no easy solutions. In addition, the strong tendency to ask a close family member or friend to fill the position, while seemingly a good option, can actually be problematic since the office holder could feel pressured to act in a certain manner due to their close relationship to those with an interest in the estate. However, each situation is unique and in some cases the appointment of someone close to the main parties can be an advantage. Because of that, the most important thing to do when considering who to appoint as an executor is the look at the entire situation including complexity of the estate, the potential for conflict, and the relationship of the potential appointee to the would be beneficiaries. There are a range of options to choose from when it comes to estate administration so do not feel bound one particular path.
See Murray Becotte, When You’re Asked To Be An Executor, The Chronicle-Journal, May 2, 2016.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
