Who should I ask to execute my estate?

One of the most important decisions to make when creating your estate plan is who will act as executor. The right person can help the process go well for all involved. The wrong one can create stress, delay and doubt about the legitimacy of the distribution of the estate. There are a few things you need to bear in mind when choosing an executor. Once you have the right person, you need to get their agreement and get your choice noted in the correct legal manner.

3 tips for finding the right executor for your estate

You can choose almost anyone you want. Yet some people will be much more suitable than others. Here are some things to bear in mind:

1. Choose someone of the right age: It makes sense to choose someone younger than you. They are more likely to be alive and capable of doing it than someone older than you.
2. Choose someone who has time and willing: Executing an estate can be time-consuming. If someone has too much on their plate with their daily life, they may struggle to dedicate the time needed to do a good job. If you sense they would rather not do it, go for someone else. It can be a thankless task, so better to have someone committed to the job.
3. Choose someone diligent: There is a place for creativity, spontaneity and other such qualities. Executing an estate is not that place.

Above all, you need someone you can trust to do a thorough job. It does not have to be a family member or friend. Executing an estate is a considerable burden after the death of a loved one. It may be better to pay someone who does it for a living.