What is an executor? An executor is a personal representative who acts for you after your death.
You nominate or designate an executor in your will to settle your estate. The person chosen will act in your place to make decisions you would have made if you were still alive. The probate court has final approval, but the court will generally confirm your nomination unless there are compelling reasons not to. An executor’s responsibilities typically last from nine months to three years (although, an estate may remain open for several years because of will contests or tax problems).
The functions of an executor are varied, but generally your executor:
- Locates and probates your will
- Inventories, collects, and sells (if necessary) your assets
- Pays legitimate creditor claims
- Pays any taxes owed by your estate
- Distributes any remaining assets to your beneficiaries
TIP: Your executor is entitled to a fee from your estate for services rendered. The fee can be waived (usually, a close family member will waive the fee).
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF AN EXECUTOR?
Your executor acts in a fiduciary capacity. This means that he or she must exercise a high degree of care at all times. Additionally, your executor is under court supervision, subject to its control and approval.
Some states require executors to post a bond, which is later paid back to the executor from the estate (though you may be able to waive this requirement through a will provision). In addition, your executor is personally responsible for ensuring that all the proper tax returns are filed and that any estate taxes due are paid. Finally, your executor is accountable to the court and to your beneficiaries on completion of his or her duties.
HOW DO YOU SELECT AN EXECUTOR?
Your choice of executor is a very important one. Ideally, you want someone you can trust, who has a close relationship to your family, who has some understanding of tax laws, and who has a keen sense of business (especially if you are a business owner).
Typically, spouses are named. Other choices include older children, siblings, or parents. Friends, attorneys, and bank or trust officers are also common. You can name multiple executors to oversee different aspects of your affairs. However, coexecutors may result in an increase in paperwork and a slowdown in the probate process. Some of the attributes you should look for in a good executor are:
- Ability to serve
- Willingness to serve
- Competency
- Trustworthiness
- Appreciation of your family’s needs
- Knowledge and experience
Your choice of executor is a very important one. Ideally, you want someone you can trust, who has a close relationship to your family, who has some understanding of tax laws, and who has a keen sense of business (especially if you are a business owner).
INDIVIDUAL VERSUS PROFESSIONAL
When choosing an executor, you can name an individual or a professional (e.g., an attorney or a bank trust department) to handle your affairs.
A family member or close friend has knowledge of your affairs and would take a personal interest in the settlement of your estate and the well-being of your beneficiaries. However, he or she may not be the best choice. Serving as an executor is a time consuming and stressful task. Some of the executor’s duties are very demanding: preparing and filing tax returns, obtaining appraisals, making an accurate accounting, and these are things best left to professionals. By naming a professional to manage your affairs, you gain some benefits. A professional executor is unlikely to refuse to serve or to resign. In addition, it may be easier to hold a professional executor financially accountable for mismanagement than a nonprofessional. A professional who makes money from managing estates will have the investment expertise as well as the legal, tax, accounting, and computer abilities to do the job well and efficiently. You also gain some impartiality by having a professional manage your affairs.
A professional executor should be more impartial to your beneficiaries or heirs. You also reduce the risk that your executor will make hardship loans to friends. However, by nominating a professional, you lose that personal touch from a friend or a relative who is not managing any other estates.
NOTE: In general, state laws require that the person who manages your affairs be an adult U.S. citizen. Additionally, your executor cannot be a convicted felon. State laws may also give special powers to your executor, or spell out what your executor can or cannot do. You can also use your will to grant your executor any special powers needed to carry out the instructions in your will.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T LEAVE A WILL?
If you leave no will, if you do not name an executor in your will, or if your executor refuses or fails to serve, the probate court will appoint an administrator (or curator). If this happens, you have no say about who will manage your final affairs. An administrator performs many of the same functions as an executor but has much less power and authority. Your BWFA team can assist you in selecting the right person for these roles. In addition, we can also work with you in coordination of your financial plan and estate plan.
Sincerely,
ROBERT G. CARPENTER
President & CEO
rcarpenter@bwfa.com