Finding the right executor (also known as a personal representative) to take care of your estate can sometimes be challenging. Not everyone has a lot of options to choose from.
One thing you might consider important is finding someone who is confident. A certain amount of confidence can certainly help them successfully administer the estate and deal with the required range of people, some of whom might be pushy or difficult. Yet too much confidence could also be problematic.
Overconfidence can lead to mistakes
Someone who is too sure of their own abilities could prove to be a poor choice. They may make mistakes that delay things or waste money because they assume they are more capable in areas and tasks than they are. Overconfidence often also comes with arrogance or a reluctance to ask for help out of fear that others perceive them as weak.
What you want is someone who has confidence without arrogance, the humility to accept they don’t know everything and the security to ask for help from others when appropriate. Even if an executor does understand how to do a particular task, the help of others can often speed things up, making the whole process more efficient.
Unless you are on your deathbed, there is no need to rush the process of choosing an executor. Take your time. Consider getting a second opinion from someone you trust about anyone you are considering. Give your choice time to decide whether to accept the role, making it clear that there is no pressure.
Once you have made that choice, be sure to learn how to document it as part of your estate plan. Remember, if you learn something new about the person and realize they might not be the right choice, you can always modify the relevant estate planning documents. Having experienced estate planning guidance throughout the process can make a big difference.
