The executor of a will plays a crucial role in the management and administration of an estate after the decedent has passed away. Anyone designing their estate planning documents should choose someone trustworthy, mature, and responsible enough to handle the duties associated with the position. Below, the estate and probate attorneys at the Law Offices of Neil T. Nakamura & Associates in Honolulu, HI, discuss a few of these duties in more depth.

3 Responsibilities of a Will Executor

1. Distributing Assets

The primary responsibility of the executor is to ensure the terms of the will and other estate planning documents are carried out according to the decedent's wishes. The deceased individual has already determined who will inherit what in the will. The executor then sees to it that everyone named receives the property or assets they were bequeathed. For instance, you will be given the power to handle the decedent's financial accounts, and you will write checks in the amounts specified in the will to the appropriate beneficiaries.

2. Maintaining Property

An executor must maintain the deceased's property until it is sold or transferred to the new inhabitant. This involves staying on top of monthly utility bills, taking care of the lawn, and generally ensuring everything is in working order. For these reasons, it's essential that someone drawing up their estate plans designates an executor who lives locally. The executor may also need to appear in probate court or close accounts in person at financial institutions, so the role is not one that can be carried out long-distance.

3. Paying Taxes & Bills

Taxes are a part of resolving an estate, and it is the executor's job to make sure these get paid. Any outstanding balances owed by the decedent will need to be paid from the estate's funds as well. The executor must notify the IRS, creditors, and other organizations of the death and subsequently close the deceased's accounts.

Let the estate planning lawyers at the Law Offices of Neil T. Nakamura & Associates help you write a will and other documents to protect your legacy. For more than 43 years, they have represented clients throughout the islands in estate, probate, and elder law issues. Call (808) 945-7645 or visit them online to arrange a free initial consultation.