How to Choose the Right Executor

Posted by heritagelawoffices on Nov 15, 2017 in Blog, Family Law, Wills & Estate

woman-choosing-an-executor-wills-estatesThe executor of your estate is able to perform all the legal tasks on your behalf after you pass away. Things like paying bills, filing income tax, terminating credit cards and distributing your assets all fall under the responsibility of your executor. Clearly, this is an important job, and choosing the right person to act as your executor is not a choice that should be made lightly. Read on as Heritage Law outlines some of the characteristics and qualities you should be looking for in a potential executor.

Qualities & Characteristics Your Executor Should Have

  1. Level headed and patient. An executor needs to be able to make hard decisions and work under pressure. Grief strikes people in different ways, which can make dealing with beneficiaries difficult at times. Having an executor that is patient and calm can ensure all dealings run smoothly.
  2. Responsible and dependable. Your executor will have a lot of responsibility and a number of tasks placed on their shoulders. Make sure they are going to be able to take on and complete these tasks on time.     
  3. Organized. An executor will be required to juggle a lot of different tasks after your passing, so good organizational skills are a must to make sure things don’t get forgotten about!
  4. Good health. Choosing an executor that is in good health and younger than you will increase the likelihood that they will still be around after you’re gone. We all know things can change quickly, so be sure to update your executor if needed.
  5. Over 18 and a Canadian resident. There are a few things that will immediately disqualify individuals from being able to be named your executor. Chat with your lawyer to make sure your executor doesn’t break any of the restrictions in your province!

Get Approval

Regardless of who you choose to be your executor, it’s important to make sure you get their approval before finalizing anything. Acting as an executor is a big responsibility – one that not everyone might be ready to take on. After the decision is made and finalized, go over your will with your executor, and let them know where all your important documents live. You want to make it as easy for them as possible to find the information they need after you’re gone.

Heritage Law Can Help

If you need help naming an executor of your estate, contact the team at Heritage Law. Our expert estate lawyers can help with all aspects of estate planning. Call today!