Every Illinois citizen who has a will made can name an executor. An executor is a person who fulfills the wishes in a person’s will. If someone has asked you to be an executor of their will, there are some key qualities that you want to live up to to be a good executor.
Understand their wishes
One of the best things that you can do as an executor of somebody else’s will is to sit down and discuss with them firsthand what their wishes are. While they’re alive is the ideal time to understand exactly what they want from their will. Take the time to read over their will and bring up any questions that you have about executing it. While this topic may make you uncomfortable, think about it as a favor to the person’s will that you’re an executor of.
Know where their original will is at
Estate administration and probate laws require that you submit the original copy of a person’s will to the probate court. It’s important that you discuss with the holder of the will where they will be keeping it so that you have access to it upon their death. Alongside submitting their will to the probate court, you also need to submit Their death certificate. It’s advisable to order multiple copies of the death certificate so that you can use them throughout your role as an executor of their estate.
Being asked to be an executor of somebody else’s will is a big responsibility. It’s a good idea to take your role seriously and try to ensure that you are acting in the best interest of the person whose will you’re the executor of. If you or the grantor of the will have any questions regarding the will or the executor’s role in probate court, you should seek legal help.