Creating a will is a bit like planning a neighbourhood gathering — you’re figuring out who gets what (picture the potluck dishes) and ensuring things run smoothly. And just like you’ need a coordinator for the party, you need to pick an executor for your will.
Your executor is like the captain of your post-life team, steering your affairs in the direction you wish. So, let’s stroll together through the top 5 things to consider when choosing your own will executor.
1. Trustworthiness
Just like you wouldn’t hand your house keys to someone you don’t trust, you shouldn’t select an executor you don’t have faith in. After all, they’ll be taking care of distributing your assets according to your wishes. Make sure the person you select is known for their integrity and honesty.
2. Organizational Skills
Handling a will involves a lot of paperwork and deadlines. Your chosen executor should be someone who’s good with details, timelines, and, let’s face it, a bit of bureaucracy.
3. Communication Skills
You’d want someone who knows how to diplomatically deal with Uncle Bob arguing over your famous lemon pie recipe, right? Much in the same way, your executor should bravely and tactfully handle any family conflicts that might pop up.
4. Availability and Location
Consider choosing an executor who is relatively local to you. This is very much like choosing a neighbour to water your plants while you’re gone. Having someone close-by can make the process smoother and faster, since they’ll easily attend to necessary paperwork and meetings. If you’re considering someone who lives outside of Manitoba, talk to us about that – there may be considerations ranging from the practical to the expensive (from a tax standpoint) that we’ll want to talk about.
5. Professional Assistance
Lastly, know that your executor can hire professionals to help, like us, your friendly neighbourhood lawyers. Any fees for legal assistance come out of the estate, not your executor’s pocket.
Choosing an executor is a critical step in creating your will. It’s all about making sure someone you trust has got things under control, just like the trustworthy neighbour you’d leave a spare key with. Remember, at Wolseley Law, we’re here to help navigate these decisions with you. Come and chat with us about your options.
