When a loved one names you the executor of their will or trustee of their trust, it feels like a profound vote of confidence. They trusted you, above all others, to carry out their final wishes and manage their affairs. You assume this title gives you the ultimate authority to make decisions, pay bills, and distribute assets as directed.
However, the world of estate administration is a complex web of legal and financial obligations. Many executors and trustees are shocked to discover their power is not as absolute as they believed. Several subtle but powerful clues can reveal that you’re not in charge in the way you thought.
