Personal Representative/Executor

A Personal Representative -- known in some states as an Executor (Executrix) or Personal Administrator -- is the person who is responsible for carrying out your wishes and administering your estate after your death.

A Personal Representative is appointed in a Will. While the appointment is subject to the approval of the probate court in your local jurisdiction, judges will usually go along with your choice unless there is a good reason not to do so. This should not be a problem if you choose carefully both your Personal Representative and a person to take over in case your first choice cannot serve or decides not to serve.

Before a person can serve as a Personal Representative, courts generally require a type of insurance policy known as a bond to assure faithful performance. Bonds cost money. In your Will, you can request that the requirement for a bond be waived.

Assure your wishes will be carried out by discussing your wishes with your Personal Representative.

If you die without a Will, or don't name a Personal Representative, a court will appoint an Administrator. It is preferable for you to make a choice. A court appointed representative may not know anything about you or your loved ones.

For more information, see:

• Why Do I Need To Appoint A Personal Representative?
• What Does A Personal Representative Do? 
  
• Does A Personal Representative Get Paid?  
  
• Whom Can I Legally Choose As A Personal Representative?  
  
  • How To Choose A Personal Representative 
  • Qualities To Look For In A Personal Representative  
  • Does My Personal Representative Have To Be An Attorney?  
    
  • Is The Person I Choose Required to Serve As Personal Representative?   
• Discussions To Have With Your Personal Representative  

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments