Creating an estate allows an individual to plan for what will happen to their assets when their life is over. When this happens, they pass along the estate to an executor who can take care of it. An executor is appointed to an estate in order to ensure that it is handled in the manner it was intended to be. It is a very important job, as they were trusted to take care of the deceased’s final wishes during a trying time. Executors have many responsibilities. When the individual passes away, the executor may begin their job in handling the estate administration process.
What Does an Executor do?
An executor is responsible for taking care of an individual’s most cherished assets after they die. They are in charge of the estate and must ensure that it is handled properly. The position comes with certain tasks that must be completed. The first job of an executor is to ensure the will in the estate plan is accepted by the court. After this, they are required to handle any necessary finances. This may include any outstanding payments or taxes that still need to be paid. This may require them to sit down with attorneys or accounts who can help them make these payments correctly. One of the most important responsibilities of an executor is to make sure all assets in the estate are correctly distributed to their beneficiaries. They must also resolve any issues if a beneficiary chooses to contest the will.
If an executor does not do their job as intended, they may be removed from the position. This may happen if the executor is negligent in handling the estate and does not act in the best interest of the individual who created it. If this occurs, a motion may be filed to have the executor removed and relieved of their duty to the estate. A judge will make the decision if the executor is removed and may replace them with a new executor to complete the remaining tasks.
Choosing an Executor
When creating an estate plan, it is important to decide who will be appointed to carry out your wishes. Choosing a person to be the executor of your will is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. They will be the individual who handles one of the most important aspects of your life when you are gone. It is crucial to choose someone whom you trust to handle a very overwhelming and time-consuming process.
Contact our Firm
If you are looking to create an estate plan and wish to appoint an executor to your will, contact The Lauterbach Law Firm today.
The Lauterbach Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout Rockland County who are faced with legal matters related to estate planning, real estate, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant law, business law, and criminal defense. If you require the services of an experienced team of attorneys, contact The Lauterbach Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.