When you are setting up your estate plan in California, one of the most important things you choose is your executor. You can choose almost anyone to be an executor of your will, but you most likely want to choose a close friend of family member that you can trust. Because this can create tension in your family after you die, there are some signs you want to watch for that should discourage you from choosing a person as an executor.
Everplans suggests that you always want to inform a person you have chosen them as your executor long before they are needed. Before they are named in your estate plan, sit down and discuss their willingness and ability to handle your estate if something happens to you. If they refuse to have a discussion with you, this may be a clear sign they would rather you name someone else.
It can also be hard to choose an executor that is extremely busy in their own life. This issue often comes into play when parents want to choose their children as their executor. If they are too busy with their own lives with young families, demanding jobs or distance, they may not be the right choice. They will have a hard time selling off your property, finding investments, closing accounts, handling probate and cleaning out a home if they are too busy.
Another thing to consider is if your executor agrees with your wishes. You should have your funeral and end of life care instructions in your estate plans, but there are times when an executor will make decisions on your behalf. You do not want to choose someone with different, goals, faith, morals or beliefs.
When setting up your estate plan, it is important to take extra time to pick the person that will execute the entire thing. An estate planning attorney can help protect your assets and your estate after you die.
This is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
