What Is an Executor—and Why Choosing the Right One Matters
When someone creates a will, one of the most important decisions they make is choosing the executor - the person legally responsible for carrying out the instructions in the will after they pass away.
Many people pick an executor quickly, almost as an afterthought, without fully understanding what the role involves. But serving as an executor isn’t just a formality or a title. It’s a serious job, with legal responsibilities, deadlines, paperwork, and emotional complexity.
Choosing the wrong person can cause delays, family conflict, and even financial consequences. Choosing the right person can make all the difference in how smoothly your estate is handled.
What Does an Executor Actually Do?
Think of an executor as the “project manager” of your estate. Their responsibilities include:
Locating the will and filing it with the court
Opening a probate case
Notifying banks, government agencies, and creditors
Gathering and valuing assets
Paying final bills, debts, and taxes
Managing real estate (sometimes selling it)
Handling paperwork and deadlines
Distributing assets to the beneficiaries
Keeping detailed records and reporting to the court
This process can take months—sometimes more than a year, depending on the complexity of the estate.
Why the Right Executor Matters
An executor must juggle financial, legal, and emotional responsibilities, often while grieving the loss of a loved one. That’s why the qualities of the executor matter far more than titles, birth order, or family roles.
You want someone who is:
1. Organized and Responsible
There are deadlines, forms, and strict court rules. An executor who procrastinates or loses paperwork can create real problems.
2. Financially Savvy
They don’t need to be an accountant, but they should be comfortable with numbers, bills, and taxes.
3. Fair and Level-Headed
Family emotions run high after a death. You want someone who can stay neutral, communicate clearly, and avoid inflaming conflicts.
4. Trustworthy
This person will have access to your assets. Integrity is non-negotiable.
5. Willing and Able
This role takes time. Someone who is overwhelmed, overextended, or unreliable is not a good choice - even if you love them dearly.
Who Should You Choose?
Many people automatically pick their oldest child or closest relative. But those may not be the best choices. Sometimes a younger sibling, a close friend, or even a professional (like an attorney) is better suited.
What matters most is not family hierarchy; it’s finding someone who can handle the responsibility with clarity, honesty, and care.
We Can Help!
Ready to get your own estate plan started? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session! We’ll answer your questions, go over your options and our flat fees, and decide if we want to move forward. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee! Book here: https://calendly.com/marissapetilloestateplanning/peaceofmindplanningsession
Estate Planning Has Changed: Why Most Families Now Choose Living Trusts Over Wills
Estate planning used to be simple: you met with a lawyer, signed a will, and called it a day. But the world, and the law, have changed. Fast-forward to today, and more and more families are choosing living trusts instead of traditional wills. Here’s why.
Wills go through probate. Trusts don’t.
A will has to be filed with the court after you pass away. That process, called probate, can take months (sometimes over a year), cost thousands in legal fees, and make your private family matters public record.
A living trust, on the other hand, lets your successor trustee handle everything privately and quickly. No court delays, no unnecessary expenses, no public drama.
Modern families are more complex.
Blended families, second marriages, kids from prior relationships are common today. Life is more layered now than it was a generation ago. A trust gives you far more control and flexibility to customize how, when, and to whom your assets are distributed. It can even protect your children’s inheritances from divorce or creditors.
People value privacy and simplicity.
In the digital age, privacy matters. Unlike a will, a trust never becomes public record. It’s a private instruction manual for your loved ones, and it’s built to work efficiently, even if you own property in multiple states.
Planning isn’t just for death anymore.
A living trust also helps if you’re alive but unable to manage your affairs. Your chosen trustee can step in right away to pay bills or handle investments without court involvement — something a will simply can’t do.
The new normal.
Today, most attorneys consider a living trust the gold standard for comprehensive estate planning. It’s the modern way to make sure your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary stress.
Next Steps
Ready to check “estate planning” off your to-do list? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. This is a 1-hour meeting with me. We’ll answer your questions and go over your options and our flat fees. Then, if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll discuss next steps. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee.
Estate planning used to be simple: you met with a lawyer, signed a will, and called it a day. But the world, and the law, have changed. Fast-forward to today, and more and more families are choosing living trusts instead of traditional wills. Here’s why.
Wills go through probate. Trusts don’t.
A will has to be filed with the court after you pass away. That process, called probate, can take months (sometimes over a year), cost thousands in legal fees, and make your private family matters public record.
A living trust, on the other hand, lets your successor trustee handle everything privately and quickly. No court delays, no unnecessary expenses, no public drama.
Modern families are more complex.
Blended families, second marriages, kids from prior relationships are common today. Life is more layered now than it was a generation ago. A trust gives you far more control and flexibility to customize how, when, and to whom your assets are distributed. It can even protect your children’s inheritances from divorce or creditors.
People value privacy and simplicity.
In the digital age, privacy matters. Unlike a will, a trust never becomes public record. It’s a private instruction manual for your loved ones, and it’s built to work efficiently, even if you own property in multiple states.
Planning isn’t just for death anymore.
A living trust also helps if you’re alive but unable to manage your affairs. Your chosen trustee can step in right away to pay bills or handle investments without court involvement — something a will simply can’t do.
The new normal.
Today, most attorneys consider a living trust the gold standard for comprehensive estate planning. It’s the modern way to make sure your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary stress.
Next Steps
Ready to check “estate planning” off your to-do list? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. This is a 1-hour meeting with me. We’ll answer your questions and go over your options and our flat fees. Then, if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll discuss next steps. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee.
Life Insurance: The Most Overlooked Tool in Your Estate Plan
It all begins with an idea.
Most people think life insurance is just about replacing income - a safety net to make sure your family can pay the bills if something happens to you. And yes, that’s part of it.
But here’s the real secret: life insurance can be one of the smartest ways to create instant wealth for your family and keep your estate plan running smoothly.
When someone passes away, even a well-organized family can face unexpected costs. Final expenses, taxes, legal fees, or just time away from work can all add up. Life insurance provides immediate cash to cover all that, without your loved ones needing to sell assets or dip into savings. Think of it as a love letter in financial form - money that arrives exactly when your family needs it most.
It’s also incredibly flexible. You can use life insurance to:
Cover final expenses and make things simple for your family.
Replace lost income so your spouse or kids can stay in the home.
Leave a legacy to loved ones or a favorite charity.
Balance inheritances, for example, one child keeps the family cabin, another receives insurance proceeds.
Unlike other assets, life insurance is fast. There’s no waiting on courts or paperwork. The money goes directly to your chosen beneficiaries, usually within weeks, assuming they are at least 18 and still alive.
And it’s not just for parents with young kids. Empty nesters, retirees, even single professionals can use life insurance as part of a smart estate plan, especially if you want to leave a meaningful gift or make sure your loved ones aren’t left sorting out financial details during a tough time. Bottom line: life insurance isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about planning for the people you love.
Next Steps
Ready to check “estate planning” off your to-do list? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. This is a 1-hour meeting with me. We’ll answer your questions and go over your options and our flat fees. Then, if we decide we’re a good fit to work together, we’ll discuss next steps. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee.