Why Mistakes Happen
Being an executor is a role most people step into with no prior experience, under emotional stress, while also managing their own lives and grief. Mistakes are common — and most are made with the best of intentions.
The ones that cause the most damage are also the most preventable. Here are the most common.
Mistake 1: Distributing Assets Too Soon
This is the most costly mistake an executor can make, and it happens often. An executor, wanting to be helpful and generous, distributes assets to heirs before all debts and taxes have been paid.
If there aren't enough assets left to cover those obligations, the executor can be held personally liable for the shortfall.
What to do instead
Do not distribute anything to heirs until all debts, taxes, and administration expenses have been identified and paid — or until your attorney confirms it is safe to do so.
Mistake 2: Failing to Notify Creditors Properly
Washington State has a formal process for notifying creditors of a death. If it isn't followed correctly, the estate may remain open to creditor claims long after you thought everything was settled.
What to do instead
Work with your probate attorney to publish the required creditor notice and follow the statutory timeline for responding to claims.
Mistake 3: Not Getting a Professional Appraisal
Many executors skip the formal appraisal, relying instead on online estimates or informal opinions of value. This can create problems for estate tax filings, capital gains calculations for heirs, and fair distribution among beneficiaries.
What to do instead
Hire a Washington State certified residential appraiser to establish the date-of-death value of any real property in the estate. The cost is modest and the protection is significant.
Mistake 4: Letting Property Sit Unprotected
During estate administration — which can take months or longer — the property needs to be maintained, insured, and secured. Executors sometimes assume someone else is handling this, or simply don't think about it.
A vacant home with lapsed insurance, deferred maintenance, or unpaid utilities can lose significant value — and an executor can be held responsible.
What to do instead
Immediately after the death, verify that insurance is in place, utilities are maintained, and the property is secure. Check in regularly. If the home is far away, designate someone locally to keep an eye on it.
Mistake 5: Treating All Heirs as Decision-Makers
Executors sometimes fall into the trap of trying to get consensus from all heirs before taking any action. This is understandable — nobody wants family conflict — but it isn't how the role works.
The executor has the legal authority and responsibility to administer the estate. Heirs are beneficiaries, not co-administrators. Taking direction from heirs rather than the will and the law can create serious problems.
What to do instead
Keep heirs informed and treat them with respect — but make decisions based on your fiduciary duties and your attorney's guidance, not on whoever is most vocal.
Mistake 6: Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Help
Many executors assume they can handle things on their own, then discover months later that deadlines were missed, filings were incorrect, or decisions made early in the process created problems that are now expensive to fix.
What to do instead
Consult with a Washington State probate attorney early — even just for an initial meeting to understand what's required. For most estates, this single step prevents the majority of costly mistakes.
Mistake 7: Mixing Estate Funds With Personal Funds
Estate accounts should be separate from your personal accounts. Commingling funds — even temporarily, even with the best intentions — creates accounting nightmares and can expose you to personal liability.
What to do instead
Open a dedicated estate checking account as soon as possible and run all estate income and expenses through it.
Finding the Right Professionals
Real Property Planning explains what each of these professionals does. Its Find a Professional page lists independent professionals the site's owner has met with personally; you contact and hire them directly, and you are free to choose anyone.