When it comes to the estate planning process, drafting a will takes a significant amount of time. To ensure your will is upheld, it’s crucial to choose the right executor. If you’re not sure what the responsibilities are for this individual or how to select one, then use the following guide before reaching out to a local attorney.

Who Is an Executor?

In estate planning, the executor is the person who is responsible for handling the will after you pass away. They will fulfill your wishes regarding financial assets properly and punctually. Some of their responsibilities include paying bills, fulfilling debts, locating assets, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries you designated.

How Should You Pick an Executor?

Because of all of the responsibility and power, it’s important to choose someone you wholly trust. You’ll also want to select someone relatively young, which will reduce the risk of them passing away before you. In many cases, individuals will choose their current spouse or one of their children.

However, choosing an immediate family member may have its challenges. For example, if you can’t choose one child and decide to split the role among your two children, potential tension between your son and daughter could complicate the process. Or, if your son has moved out of the state or country, they might face legal issues, such as tax law discrepancies.

Therefore, if you’re unsure about your family members and want to leave them with assets rather than give them control of the distribution, you can opt for a third-party executor. This professional will be unbiased and understand probate law. You also won’t have to worry about going to court and handling the financial to-dos, as this is the job of the third-party executor.

If you’re looking for a trusted local attorney who can help you draft a valid will, reach out to Reagan, Melton, & Delaney LLP. They have over 15 years of experience between their locations in Lincoln and Bellevue, and they practice throughout East and Southeast Nebraska. In addition to estate planning and probate, they also handle family law, personal injury cases, and criminal law. To learn more about their practice areas, visit their website. Call their Lincoln office at (402) 476-6585 and the Bellevue location at (402) 932-9494 to make an appointment with this local attorney.