When someone creates a will, one of the most important decisions they make is choosing the executor - the person legally responsible for carrying out the instructions in the will after they pass away. Many people pick an executor quickly, almost as an afterthought, without fully understanding what the role involves. But serving as an executor isn’t just a formality or a title. It’s a serious job, with legal responsibilities, deadlines, paperwork, and emotional complexity. Choosing the wrong person can cause delays, family conflict, and even financial consequences. Choosing the right person can make all the difference in how smoothly your estate is handled. What Does an Executor Actually Do? Think of an executor as the “project manager” of your estate. Their responsibilities include: Locating the will and filing it with the court Opening a probate case Notifying banks, government agencies, and creditors Gathering and valuing assets Paying final bills, debts, and taxes Managing real estate (sometimes selling it) Handling paperwork and deadlines Distributing assets to the beneficiaries Keeping detailed records and reporting to the court This process can take months—sometimes more than a year, depending on the complexity of the estate. Why the Right Executor Matters An executor must juggle financial, legal, and emotional responsibilities, often while grieving the loss of a loved one. That’s why the qualities of the executor matter far more than titles, birth order, or family roles. You want someone who is: 1. Organized and Responsible There are deadlines, forms, and strict court rules. An executor who procrastinates or loses paperwork can create real problems. 2. Financially Savvy They don’t need to be an accountant, but they should be comfortable with numbers, bills, and taxes. 3. Fair and Level-Headed Family emotions run high after a death. You want someone who can stay neutral, communicate clearly, and avoid inflaming conflicts. 4. Trustworthy This person will have access to your assets. Integrity is non-negotiable. 5. Willing and Able This role takes time. Someone who is overwhelmed, overextended, or unreliable is not a good choice - even if you love them dearly. Who Should You Choose? Many people automatically pick their oldest child or closest relative. But those may not be the best choices. Sometimes a younger sibling, a close friend, or even a professional (like an attorney) is better suited. What matters most is not family hierarchy; it’s finding someone who can handle the responsibility with clarity, honesty, and care. We Can Help! Ready to get your own estate plan started? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session! We’ll answer your questions, go over your options and our flat fees, and decide if we want to move forward. Mention this blog, and we’ll waive the $295 session fee! Book here .

The Estate Planning Issue No One Talks About: Your Digital Life When most people think about estate planning, they picture the traditional things like your home, bank accounts, retirement plans, sentimental keepsakes, maybe even the family cabin. But there’s an entire category of your life that is often overlooked: Your digital life. In a world where almost everything we do is online, your digital presence has become one of your most valuable (and complicated) assets. And without proper planning, your loved ones might not be able to access anything when you are gone. What Counts as a “Digital Asset”? Digital assets include far more than passwords and social media. They can include: Online bank or investment accounts Cryptocurrency and digital wallets Photos and videos stored in the cloud Email accounts PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp balances Online businesses Loyalty points and airline miles Social media accounts Online subscriptions Stored documents in Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud Basically, anything that lives behind a username and password. The Legal Problem: Your Loved Ones Can’t Just Log In Here’s what surprises most people: It’s illegal for anyone—even your spouse—to use your password after you die. Federal privacy laws and terms of service agreements prohibit unauthorized access. That means your family may not be able to: Recover family photos Access important documents Shut down accounts Transfer digital currency Close or memorialize social media profiles Retrieve business information In some cases, companies like Apple and Google have denied access even when families had a court order . How Estate Planning Solves the Digital Mess A modern estate plan includes specific documents addressing digital assets, such as: 1. Digital Asset Authorization This gives your trusted person permission to access your accounts. 2. A Secure Inventory A list of accounts, devices, and instructions stored safely 3. Instructions for Each Category What to save, delete, transfer, or protect. 4. A Backup Plan Because technology and access change constantly. Why This Matters More Than Ever Your digital life tells your story. It contains your memories, your communications, your work, and in many cases, your money. Without direction, it can vanish forever - or get locked behind a wall your family can’t break through. We Can Help! Ready to get a plan that includes your digital assets? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session! We’ll answer your questions, go over your options and our flat fees, and decide if we want to move forward. Mention this blog, and we’ll waive the $295 session fee! Book here .