When selecting an executor for your estate, you need to keep in mind that they will be shouldering a number of heavy responsibilities.
Thus, it is important not only for you to trust them, but for them to have the skills needed to successfully manage the role.
Basic necessary skills
As Forbes states, executors have many crucial roles when dealing with an estate. They act as the manager of your estate plan and will serve as the person that everyone else has to communicate with. On top of that, they also handle the probate process and the division of assets to your beneficiaries.
Thus, they need the ability to manage their time well, stay organized and keep track of multiple moving parts at the same time. They must also self-manage, as there is no one with a higher position of authority than them to tell them what to do or when to do it.
Social and emotional skills
On top of that, they should have reasonable social skills and emotional comprehension. They will be dealing with numerous grieving loved ones throughout the process of handling probate and funerary matters, while simultaneously dealing with their own grief and emotions. They need the ability to balance both of these matters in a thoughtful and empathetic way.
Of course, it is also important for your executor to be someone that you can personally trust. However, if you do not think your current choice will be able to handle the other responsibilities that come with the territory, you may want to look for another candidate.
