Question:

Who should I name as the executor of my will in Pennsylvania?

Answer:

When you choose the executor of your will, you should keep in mind the duties of an executor, which can include, but are not limited to:

• creating an inventory of estate assets;
• maintaining and managing property of the estate until probate has ended;
• putting an ad in the newspaper for creditors and ensuring that all taxes, debts, and bills are paid;
• appearing before the court on behalf of the estate; and
• distributing estate assets according to the will.

You may choose anyone to be executor of your will, as most are relatively straightforward and no legal or financial knowledge is necessarily required – although, in fairness, for large estates with considerable assets and many beneficiaries, a professional exposure to law and finance is a boon.

However, above all else, an executor must be honest and well-organized, as executing an estate is no small task and not without its fair share of headaches. Common executors include:

• spouses;
• children;
• siblings; and
• other trusted relatives.

Relatives as executors is popular because it generally avoids the associated executor fee that can be assessed by professionals, such as a lawyer or court-appointed executor, which is typically 5% of the gross value of the estate.

Consulting a Pennsylvania Probate Attorney

Speak with one of the Pennsylvania probate attorneys at Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees for more information on the benefits of using a lawyer as your executor, or how your chosen executor can reap the benefits of having a probate attorney on hand to respond to and resolve specific questions or concerns – 1-610-933-8069.

References:

http://estate.findlaw.com/estate-administration/choosing-the-executor-faq.html

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