Your estate administrator or estate executor has a lot of responsibility. This is the person you choose to execute your estate plan. You do get to draft the plan – writing a will, setting up a trust, etc. – but it doesn’t take effect until you pass away. That’s when the estate executor steps in to ensure that your instructions are actually followed.
This can take a long time, and it may even take more than a year. You need to find someone who is willing to take on such a large amount of responsibility. You also need someone who is intellectually capable of doing so, as this process could involve complex steps regarding medical decisions, financial assets and much more. It can be helpful to find someone who has either an extensive education or personal experience in these areas.
Not everyone is fit for the job
The thing to remember is that not everyone will make a good estate executor. One person may be willing, but you know that they won’t be able to handle the complexities of the process. Another person may technically be able to perform the duties of the estate executor, but they’ll find it too emotionally difficult – especially when making medical decisions – and so they won’t be willing.
As such, it’s a good idea to talk with anyone you are thinking of naming as the estate executor in advance. Explain the goals of your estate plan. Go over the details and the tasks they’ll have to accomplish. Take your time and carefully consider all of your options until you find someone who will be the right fit.
At the same time, consider how you can design your estate plan to put your family first. Look into all of the legal options you have at your disposal.