The executor of a will has many important responsibilities, and they can land in some legal trouble if they do not take care of them in a timely manner. If you have been named the executor and you have some confusion over what you are supposed to do, you should contact a Woodland Hills will attorney. We can tell you more about how to carry out the tasks you’ve been assigned.
What Should the Executor of a Will Do?
The executor of the will has a responsibility to make sure that the last wishes of the deceased are honored. That means ensuring that the property and assets left behind go to the right people, but there are plenty of other matters that need to be handled first. An executor is responsible for:
Filing the will: You must take a copy of the will and file in probate court. Even if the assets are all accounted for in an estate plan, you need to take this step.
Taxes: The last year of taxes for the decedent need to be filed and any debt to the state or federal government must be paid.
Taking inventory: The executor of a will must make a complete list of all assets and properties owned by the deceased. Trying to leave out or hide any assets would be a big mistake.
Maintaining property: Assets that are going to be passed down to beneficiaries need to be well-maintained. An executor is not supposed to let a house fall into disrepair, for example.
Contacting beneficiaries: All beneficiaries of the will must be notified. Eventually the executor of the will can distribute the assets to them in accordance with the desires of the deceased.
Can You Be an Executor If You Are a Beneficiary of the Will?
Yes, and this can occasionally create conflict. If you are a beneficiary of the will, you should be especially conscientious when handling your role as the executor. Keep lines of communication open and make sure that none of the other beneficiaries can accuse you of inappropriate behavior.
Can an Executor Be Sued?
Yes, the executor of a will can be sued if one or more beneficiaries does not think that they are doing the job well. This process can take a long time, but if a beneficiary thinks that you are dragging your feet or not communicating about what’s going on, they can decide to bring you to court. This is why you shouldn’t procrastinate in your duties and why you should always be ready to give an update to the beneficiaries if asked.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Whether you are setting up an estate plan of your own or doing your best to execute a will, our experienced lawyers are ready to help. Contact the Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman and schedule your consultation with our team today.
