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How To Choose the Right Executor for Your Will

An estate planning attorney shakes hands with a senior client during a meeting to discuss choosing a will executor.

Naming someone to manage your affairs after you pass away is a decision that carries real weight. The person you pick will manage your finances and settle your debts while honouring your final wishes. Working with a wills and estates lawyer can help, but choosing an executor for a will starts with understanding what the job involves.

This article from Wilson Rasmussen LLP walks you through who can serve and when more than one executor makes sense.

What Is an Executor?

The executor of a will is the person named to carry out your final wishes.The role calls for patience and a steady hand, since settling an estate can stretch on for months, highlighting why it is vital to distinguish between general estate planning and will documents.

Once you put effort into having a will, your executor carries out your instructions. The main tasks of estate administration include the following: 

  • Managing assets: Securing property and bank accounts until the estate is settled
  • Paying debts: Clearing outstanding bills and funeral costs in the proper order
  • Filing taxes: Submitting the final returns and completing the required tax clearance process
  • Distributing gifts: Passing along assets to beneficiaries as the will directs

Because this work is a fiduciary responsibility, your executor must act honestly and put the estate’s interests first at every step.

Qualities That Make a Strong Choice

The right candidate combines trust with practical skill. Someone you love dearly isn’t always the person suited to handle paperwork and tough financial calls.

When selecting an executor, weigh both character and ability. Look for these traits:

  • Trustworthy: Honest and willing to act in the estate’s best interest
  • Organized: Comfortable tracking records and meeting deadlines
  • Financially literate: Able to deal with banks and tax matters
  • Available: Likely to outlive you and ready to commit the time

Location is another important consideration. An executor based in British Columbia avoids the complications that arise when someone lives abroad, but these hurdles are minor compared to the legal complexities that occur if someone dies without a will.

When To Name More Than One

You don’t have to limit yourself to a single executor. Appointing two can balance strengths, such as pairing a financially capable sibling with a trusted friend.

There’s a tradeoff, though. Co-executors must act together, which can slow things down or spark disagreement if they don’t see eye to eye.

A common approach during the probate process is to name one primary executor along with an alternate. The backup steps in if your first choice can’t serve, which keeps your estate planning considerations on solid ground, including ensuring your executor is aware of relevant benefits like the new GST rebate for home buyers.

If you don’t have someone suitable, a trust company or lawyer can serve as a professional executor. This option offers neutrality and experience, though it comes with a fee.

Plan With Confidence Through Wilson Rasmussen LLP

Choosing an executor for a will means balancing legal eligibility with the day-to-day realities of your estate. The right person protects both your legacy and the people you care about.

Wilson Rasmussen LLP drafts clear, legally sound wills tailored to your circumstances. Our team can help you weigh your options and understand estate planning versus a will so your documents reflect your true intentions.

For help selecting an executor for a will, call (604) 583-7917 today.