What is an Executor?

Being the Executor of an estate means you are the person in charge of making decisions on behalf of the deceased and their estate.  The Executor is the only person who can legally do so. An Executor is also known as a “Personal Representative.”  

The Executor is responsible for many, many tasks.  Almost immediately, the Executor will need to make decisions and sign paperwork with coroners and funeral homes.  

*See “Urgent Tasks” for more information about what needs to happen first.  

Before our dad passed away, we did not know who his Executor was.  We found paperwork in his will that indicated who he wanted to complete the job.  

People choose Executors based on many factors, and in our case our dad took the traditional route of appointing his oldest child as his Executor.  Many people will also indicate a “Successor Executor” who will step in if the originally appointed Executor cannot or will not take on the role.  

You are also not required to accept the role of Executor.

Some people indicate in their will that they’d like their Executor to be paid a fee, as the role is a full time job for about a year.  You are allowed to accept this money or deny it.  In our case, I (Taylor) did not accept the money, because the work load was split pretty evenly between my brother and I.  The money instead went back into the estate to later be split between my brother and I (our dad’s beneficiaries).  

If there was no will, someone will need to volunteer, and that person will be appointed to represent the estate. Usually, this person would be next of kin.

*See “What Happens if There is No Will?” 

Being an Executor is a difficult and time consuming job, but it’s also extremely important. Being asked to be an Executor is an honor and a huge responsibility. If a friend or family member asks you to take on the role, have conversations with them about what that means and what you need to know now:

Where is there will located? Who is their power of medical/financial attorney? Are they the same person? Do you have a DNR? Who will be responsible for your children? Who is your lawyer?

Consider the decision carefully and don’t be afraid to say no if it’s not something you feel comfortable taking on.