A Will Executor Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, from Klenk Law, knows that preparing for the future when you are no longer here with loved ones is not easy. Many people put off creating an estate plan until too much time has passed. Or, some people pass away without having ever gotten to leave behind wishes or pass on their legacy.
Of all the estate planning-related tasks, one of the hardest can be choosing your will executor. This person has an essential job in handling your affairs after death. Here are traits to look out for when selecting the right executor for you:
The primary quality your executor should have is responsible. This person doesn’t need extensive knowledge in law or finance to make a great will executor. However, pick someone you trust to handle serious decisions to increase the chances your wishes are respected. Your executor must communicate effectively with beneficiaries.
Talking to loved ones about your death is uncomfortable, but you must confirm that the person you want to be the executor can and is willing to hold this role. If you don’t ask beforehand, you risk them being unprepared for the job or struggling to accomplish necessary tasks amid their grief.
As your Will Executor Lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, may tell you, It isn’t uncommon to appoint two executors; a primary and a backup. The successor steps in if the first cannot fulfill this duty. You’re going to get older as the years go by, so consider choosing a second executor who is younger, healthy, and likely to outlive you — just in case the first choice of executor passes away or refuses to serve.
Upon your passing, your will executor will essentially step into your shoes and perform all the legal tasks related to your estate. An executor’s responsibilities include selling property, bringing forward lawsuits, paying creditors, distributing assets, reviewing medical records, sharing account details with beneficiaries, and more. So, who will you choose as your will executor? Who will handle your final, personal effects?
Your will executor should be someone who can communicate clearly and concisely. There will be many moments when the executor must speak with certain parties about your estate. A person comfortable with talking to various people will impact how smoothly an estate is handled and distributed. Think about those in your life who have shown not to shy away from serious conversations and can effectively provide or exchange information with others.
A neutral executor can prevent your estate from being tarnished out of selfish motivations. Some people may take advantage of their role as an executor and not abide by the testator’s wishes. Incidents of stealing and falsifying estate records by appointed executors have happened. These detours from your wishes can cause immense frustration and pain for grieving family members to see their loved one’s estate handled without care. Signs that someone may be a biased or untrustworthy executor include:
Your chosen will executor doesn’t have to be legally minded. They don’t have to be someone who’s attended years of law school. However, what can make the difference is someone who asks for help when needed and those who don’t. Upon handling your estate, there will come a time when there is confusion or problem, and you’ll want someone who can find the resources they need to resolve an issue or make an important decision.
Don’t pick someone out of obligation; choose someone kind-hearted and invested in you and your well-being. An executor can be a person you know and trust personally or a reputable professional who is akin to dealing with estate matters, such as a lawyer, advisor, or accountant. Before making your final choice, consider how this person would make decisions regarding your legacy or care. Could they become motivated by personal gain? Or will they always consider your wishes are what your wishes would have been?
For support as you draft or edit your estate plan, consider contacting a Will Executor Lawyer from Klenk Law in Philadelphia, PA, for a consultation.
A Will Executor Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, from Klenk Law, can help you with every aspect of your will. Your lawyer can advise you on creating an estate plan and then draft your will. The executor will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, so you must ensure that a person or entity will carry out your wishes in your absence.
A will is a legal document that documents how you want your assets handled after you die. Because your will is a binding document, it must meet specific requirements or may not be valid. Therefore, to protect yourself and your family, have your will prepared by a will executor lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, from Klenk Law.
Having a will executor lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, prepare your will guarantees that it meets your state’s legal requirements. It also ensures that the document reflects your intentions regarding how you want assets distributed after you die. Without this level of protection, there’s no telling what could happen to the money and property you worked so hard to acquire during your lifetime.
Many people have wills drafted without the help of an attorney because they don’t want to spend the money for this service or because they think their wishes are simple enough to put them down on paper themselves. However, these documents often fail to reflect an individual’s true wishes because of wording issues. Still, they can sometimes create conflict among family members or friends who believe they deserve more than the will gives.
It’s possible to write a will without a will executor lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, from Klenk Law. But, a valid will has legal requirements. Miss one, and the will may be invalid. A mistake could invalidate your will and leave your loved ones without guidance about what you would have wanted. This ambiguity can lead to conflict and litigation, which you likely want to avoid for your family after you pass away.
Hiring Klenk Law to appoint an executor is integral to creating a will. The executor is legally responsible for managing the distribution of your property, paying off any debts and taxes, and closing the estate after distributing all property.
Those who need assistance regarding an estate-related issue or concern can get the information they need at our law firm. We are a team of dedicated professionals. The fact that our extensive knowledge and experience make a difference for clients humbles us. We suggest contacting a Philadelphia, PA, Will Executor Lawyer from Klenk Law today for a consultation.
Peter Klenk is the founding member of Klenk Law, a seven attorney boutique estate planning law firm. We serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota and Florida. Peter Klenk received his Masters in Taxation LL.M. from NYU Law School and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served his country in the Navy JAGC during Desert Storm. Easy to talk to, feel free to call Peter for an appointment. We will make the process as easy as possible!
"I worked for Peter Klenk for 4 wonderful years. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone at the firm. Everyone truly cares about their clients and has a strong sense of responsibility to get things done right. I would highly recommend Klenk Law!"
Flora Novick
I was referred to Peter after my divorce to put documents together to protect my assets. He suggested a number of documents that would help protect my children and their future. Also, he put together wills, power of attorney and living wills. I initially spoke with him on the phone, he took 30-40 minutes to understand my situation and explain the benefits of having such documents. After a week or two, I met with him in his office and signed the documents. Everything else was remote phone calls and emails. He re-explained these documents and what whom to share. I am in good hands.
Peter was excellent. He explained everything very clearly and is super friendly. My wife and I originally tried using a lawyer through group legal coverage, but unfortunately the old adage - "you get what you pay for" - applied to the other lawyer, and we decided to go with a real professional.
Peter and his associates made things easy for us.
When it came down to picking the right attorney to handle my affairs, I knew right away it was this firm. From speaking to their secretary to speaking to Peter I knew I was making the right decision. After only a few mins Peter knew right away what I was looking for and handled all my questions professionally and even gave me great feedback that put my mind at ease. All that without even giving a single penny! So of course I hired him! So far so good...
Peter recently gave a presentation about Wills & Trusts at my employer, and it was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable and provided valuable information to the group. People were very engaged and asked several questions, all of which Peter thoroughly answered. Personally, my husband and I have selected Peter to help us with our estate planning, and he has been very helpful in providing us with all of the information we need to provide a secure future for our family. Thank you, Peter!
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