Question: How do I choose the right executor to manage my estate?

Answer: Administering an estate can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are many tasks that an executor will have to complete – paying taxes, handling bills, protecting property, keeping track of investments and of course fulfilling court requirements. While many executors hire legal counsel to assist them with the process, it is important to find an executor who is up to the task. Here are a few considerations:

1. You will want to find an individual who is in good financial shape. Not having creditor or financial problems is important. Moreover, individuals with a criminal record will have trouble getting the court appointment.
2. An executor should be a responsible person. Even with good legal advice, the person appointed as executor still needs to take charge of the matter. The executor is the person who is ultimately responsible to answer to the estate beneficiaries.
3. For the most part, I find that close family members tend to serve as executors (as opposed to non-family members). But if your relationship with the family member is not particularly strong, it may be best to avoid a family squabble by appointing a non-family member. In this case, it may be best to designate an outside executor who is independent and has no conflicts of interest. Of course, many family members will not ask for compensation from the estate (but an independent executor will).
4. Some clients like to name more than one executor to serve at a time. If two executors are serving, there must be unanimous agreement. In such case, court documents will require signatures of both executors. This might be difficult if the individuals live far apart.

Comment: You should revise this choice every 5-10 years to be sure the individual(s) you choose is/are the right one(s).

As always, if you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Steve Shane at sshane@offitkurman.com or 301.575.0313.

ABOUT STEVE SHANE

sshane@offitkurman.com | 301.575.0313

Steve Shane provides strategic counseling to clients in need of estate administration, charitable giving and business continuity planning while minimizing estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exposure. He offers legal guidance to clients on asset protection and the proper disposition of assets in accordance with the client’s objectives, while employing tax planning techniques such as the use of irrevocable trusts, life insurance planning, lifetime gifts and charitable trust. He is also experienced with drafting documents for business planning, the incorporation and application for exemption for Private Foundations and the administration of decedents’ estates.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 170 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our eleven offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City regions. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

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