Duties of an Executor or Trustee

By: Shawna Williamson

Losing someone you love and then almost immediately having to take care of legal and financial matters is a difficult situation.

During the past 30 years, I’ve advised numerous people how to perform the duties of executor. They are normally overwhelmed and frustrated. However, I reassure them that it will be OK, and with some patience and determination, it will all get done. I always ask if they have spoken with an attorney, which is especially helpful if they can find the one who wrote the will and/or trust agreement.