The executor of an estate manages quite a few tasks and acts as a central figure to the entire plan. Thus, it is crucial for a person to think carefully before naming anyone executor.
One of the things to consider is the actual tasks that your executor will need to handle. Another is the skills that the executor should ideally have.
Coordination and funeral duties
According to Forbes, executors handle a vast majority of an estate plan. They will coordinate with attorneys to make sure that they file everything on time and in the correct way. They will talk with financial analysts to make sure all of the estate’s assets line up.
They handle the funeral, too. They will often determine how to carry out your wishes in regard to what you want done with your body and what sort of ceremony or celebration you may want after your death, if you want one at all.
Financial management
On top of that, it is up to them to manage finances. They file your last taxes, continue to make payments on ongoing bills that cannot get canceled yet (such as electric bills), and pay back any debts owed using the estate assets. They also cancel any unnecessary bills to prevent the estate assets from taking more of a hit than necessary.
To accomplish these goals, an executor should have several traits. This includes the ability to time manage and stick to deadlines, the ability to self-manage and direct, people and conversational skills, and a strong sense of duty or responsibility.
On top of that, as probate can take years, they should also have a relatively clear schedule. These traits combined can make for a good, reliable executor who can get the job done.