Being called upon to execute someone’s estate can come as a bit of a shock. While you agreed to it, that does not mean you ever expected to have to do it, or that you have prepared. It’s likely that you only now begin to realize exactly what it involves and how much work it will be.
While it might feel overwhelming, so did many new things that you have successfully tackled.
Here are some tips to make it easier.
Stay transparent
Several people are relying on you to do this correctly. They have a right to know how you are progressing. Being open and communicative can reassure them and avoid the sort of suspicion that can sometimes occur due to the sums of money involved.
Work through it step by step
You cannot afford to skip stages or miss things. Start at the very beginning and work your way methodically through all that you need to do. An oversight could put the whole process back which will frustrate those waiting to receive assets from the estate and waste your time.
Do not be afraid to ask for help
Just because the deceased chose you as executor does not mean they expected you to do it all or know all the answers. If you consider your role akin to project manager rather than sole employee it frees you up to get help from others. That could mean help from family members to look for and catalog assets and documents. Or help from a legal professional to guide you through the process and undertake certain tasks. Your aim should be to carry out the process efficiently and accurately, and getting outside help will vastly increase the chances you do.