Often during estate planning, individuals and even attorneys become so focused on creating airtight documents, they may overlook the small but crucial details until the last minute. Choosing the right executor is one such details that some may put off until later. Sometimes this can mean that the person creating a will or a full estate plan has not given the role of executor enough consideration.
In our experience serving New York residents with estate planning, we advise our clients to begin thinking about this important role as soon as possible. This way, you can be sure you have dotted all of your I’s and crossed all of your T’s early on. It also means you have likely selected the right person to serve as executor of your estate.
One of the ways we try to help our clients is by talking with them some of the best qualities an executor should possess. Those who are new to preparing legal documents that affect the lives of their loved ones may automatically choose a close friend or family member. Many times this arrangement works very well, but that does not mean you should forego giving the matter serious thought.
Here are a few qualities that good estate executors typically possess.
— Honesty and trustworthiness
— Ability to communicate well with others
— Good organizational skills
— Ability to manage court appearances and other executor tasks
You should also know that discussing your list of possible executors with an attorney can help you narrow the choices. Together, you can look objectively at the pros and cons of each candidate and come up with an unbiased decision.
Remember, the executor you choose is just as important as the elements you include in your legal documents. If you would like to read more, we invite you to visit our New York-based legal website.