5 tips for asking someone to be your executor

After identifying a loved one with the qualities you believe an executor should possess, you need to ask them to be your estate’s executor. This conversation allows you to know if they are willing to accept the role.

So, how can you handle this conversation?

1. State the reason for the meeting

When you meet with your chosen party, inform them of the reason for the meeting at the beginning of the conversation. Let them know you wish to name them as your executor and why you believe they are a good fit for the role.

2. Explain their responsibilities

You should inform your chosen party of the specific roles you expect them to do, including making funeral arrangements, paying debts, managing assets, filing tax returns, communicating with beneficiaries and interested parties and so on. Help them understand each role in depth.

3. Explain your estate

Your potential executor should understand your estate. These include your assets, liabilities and wishes. You should not disclose every detail of the estate, as they are not yet your executor, but provide them with the details they need to determine if they can administer your estate.

Further, you can inform them how you can make their work more manageable – for instance – by connecting them with professionals.

4. Be honest about the challenges they may face

Before accepting the appointment, your executor should know about the possible challenges of the role. Let them know they may have to deal with disputes among beneficiaries, complex legal procedures and will contests. You want someone who is still willing to serve after learning about all these.

5. Ask them to take time before responding

Tell your chosen party to take their time to do research before responding. Learning more can help you provide them with the details they need to make a sound decision. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation with Pennington Law, PLLC.