What to Look for in a Prospective Executor for Your Estate

Writing a will forces you to face your own mortality, which is why you’ve probably avoided doing it. But, once you finally map out a plan for your assets, you’ll need to name someone to carry out those wishes: an executor.

This is the person who will manage and administer your estate. The responsibilities of an executor vary, but generally include gathering and distributing your assets, paying taxes and debts, and dealing with any trusts you may have established.

You can name a friend, a family member or even a professional, but who you choose must not be an afterthought.

You need to make sure you find the right person for the job and see to it they know what is expected. That means asking the right questions and looking for someone with the right personality traits.

“A bad choice can ruin a good will plan,” says John Coupar, a partner with Horne Coupar LLP in Victoria, B.C. who specializes in wills and estate planning.