Serving as Executor & Trustee
Topics to Explore
Your First 30 Days
The first steps after being named executor: what to do, what to secure, and what can wait.
Understanding Your Legal Duties
What executors and trustees are responsible for, and what happens if things go wrong.
What to Do With the Property
How to handle real estate in an estate. The home is usually the largest asset.
Working With Attorneys & Professionals
Who you need, in what order, and what to expect from each professional involved.
Common Executor Mistakes
The mistakes executors make most often, and how to avoid them.
When You Need Extra Help
When to get more help: complex estates, family conflict, out-of-state property.
You Are Not Alone
Common Challenges Families Face
Naming what's hard often makes it easier to move forward.
Feeling overwhelmed
One decision at a time, in a clear order, usually replaces overwhelm with progress.
Family disagreements
Shared expectations and a clear written plan typically reduce friction.
Avoid These Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Naming what often goes wrong makes it easier to plan well.
Delaying communication between heirs
Silence often becomes the source of the conflict families most want to avoid.