Don’t Make These Estate Executor Mistakes

Executors carry major legal responsibilities, and common missteps can turn settling an estate into a legal headache.
Don’t Make These Estate Executor Mistakes
Managing an estate is complex, and simple errors by executors can lead to costly legal consequences. Hadayeva Sviatlana/Shutterstock
|Updated:
0:00

Being named an executor of someone’s estate is a serious responsibility. Executors are responsible for locating the will, determining whether probate is necessary, and notifying banks, credit card companies, and government agencies. But these responsibilities may be the tip of the iceberg. They must follow the wishes of the will.

As part of the executor’s fiduciary duty, they must also act as a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances, act impartially, and be honest and fair in dealings. Ultimately, an executor must act in the best interest of the estate.

Anne Johnson
Anne Johnson
Author
Anne Johnson was a commercial property and casualty insurance agent for nine years. She was also licensed in health and life insurance. She went on to own an advertising agency, where she worked with businesses. She has been writing about personal finance for 10 years.