Being named executor in someone’s will can feel like an honor, but saying yes may mean accepting months of paperwork, financial decisions and responsibility during an already emotional time. An executor doesn’t simply read the will and hand out inheritances: the job can involve locating property, dealing with creditors, protecting assets, filing tax returns, maintaining a home and eventually distributing what remains to beneficiaries. Cornell Law School describes probate as the court-supervised process of collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property, with the executor responsible for carrying out those tasks when one has been named. For women already balancing work, children, caregiving or their own finances, that can become a significant additional responsibility. Before agreeing to serve, understand these eight parts of the job—and the situations that may signal you need professional help.
