An executor is a person who takes on settling an estate by gathering up estate assets and dividing them up between creditors and beneficiaries. Executors have a lot of responsibility because they have to be sure that everything is paid in the right order and that no one is left out when it comes to settling or closing an estate. Executors have to be sure that any creditors of the estate are paid first, including state and federal governments when it comes to estate taxes. After the creditors are paid, those named in the will would be given their inheritance. Executors also have the responsibility of defending the estate against any claims made such as challenges to the will.
When someone is named executor, the wisest course of action is to hire a probate attorney to assist in settling the estate. If you have been named executor, you are not required to use the same counsel who wrote the will. Call and see what our probate attorneys can do for you today.