Choosing the Right Executor

Recently, the New York Times published an interesting article advising individuals on how to choose the right executor for an estate. An executor is an individual responsible for an estate before the estate is closed (transferred to its beneficiaries).

The author indicates how estate planning in 2011 is particularly burdensome on executors because of the recent tax law changes President Obama signed in December of 2010.  In short, portability (the ability to pass the federal estate tax exclusion to a surviving spouse, described in a previous post), must be if at all exercised by the executor. This new responsibility coupled with the traditional responsibilities of an executor will  require an organized and honest individual who has the best interest of your beneficiaries at heart. The article continues with other practical considerations when choosing an executor including why a professional or a family member may be a more suitable executor, for the full New York Times article click here.

Additionally, it is a prudent idea for individuals to review their estate planning documents because of the recent estate planning changes in 2011. Currently the new tax laws affecting Estate Planning are only set to be active for 2011-2012.

If you are interested in learning more about Estate Planning, please contact San Jose Estate Planning Lawyers at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri, LLP. Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.