A will and other estate planning documents can protect your property and ensure your loved ones receive a fair share of the assets you leave behind. Having an estate plan is wise, and so is choosing the ideal candidate to serve as your estate executor.
The person you choose will have substantial responsibilities throughout the execution of your estate. They must locate your assets, initiate probate and complete many other duties. It makes perfect sense to select a candidate that is willing and able to manage these tasks.
Excellent estate executor qualities
Not everyone has what it takes to be a successful executor. If anyone on your shortlist suffers from potentially severe physical or mental issues, consider crossing those names off. The last thing you want is to make life harder for your executor. Those who work more than one job or have a busy career may also be poor choices.
The following qualities are ideal as far as what you should look for in your candidates.
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Highly organized
- Financially savvy
- Impartial and fair
- Attentive to small details
You may select a friend or family member as your executor so long as they are an adult non-felon, but you can also choose an entity or organization. Some prefer to engage someone with no ties to the family, often to avoid disagreements and guard against will contests. Examples of these alternatives include law firms, banks and certified accountants.
Legal matters
Like other states, New Hampshire has developed unique laws to guide executors through probate and estate administration procedures. If you’d like to learn about the little-known nuances inherent to estate planning and administration, consider consulting a knowledgeable legal professional.
