When dealing with an estate plan, one of the most important figures to assign is the executor. They will handle almost every major point of the plan and post-mortem affairs.
But what exact duties do executors deal with? And what sort of person serves as the best fit for this kind of job?
Duties of an executor
Forbes discusses the duties of an estate executor. First, executors hold responsibility for the majority of things related to an estate plan. They manage affairs, get the funeral in order, and ensure that a body gets handled in accordance to the will.
They will remain a focal point of contact between all other people involved in the plan, too. This includes tax experts, attorneys, financial advisors and more. They will keep in touch to ensure that all matters of the estate such as final taxes get done in a timely and proper manner.
On top of that, they handle the grieving loved ones. It is up to them to divide and hand out the assets in accordance with a will after outstanding financial matters get settled.
Skills they need
Thus, executors need to have strong time management and leadership skills, the ability to organize well, and the social graces necessary to handle grieving people while also in a time of grief and stress themselves.
The process of probate can take many years, too, so having an open schedule is also a benefit. This is why it is important for someone to talk things over with their potential executor first, ensuring that they really will have what it takes to fit the role.