Handling one’s estate is a difficult job. There is too much paperwork and parties to manage. Moreover, if the Executor of the Will is someone close to the deceased, then they also need to handle their grief during the process. This is why choosing someone qualified is essential.
If you pick the wrong person to be the Executor of your Will, everything could go wrong in a second. Knowing the warning signs of a bad Executor can help. It is best to consult with a Reno Probate Attorney as they can help you understand the qualities and traits you need to look for in a person who can handle your Will.
Signs you have chosen the Wrong Executor
- Too time-consuming.
Probate is usually a time-consuming process. Therefore, one needs to wrap up the paperwork and other things to get the process started as soon as possible. Heirs and other beneficiaries can often feel impatient and even blame the Executor for taking too much time.
Someone who takes up too much time misses deadlines, or fills in wrong information in the paperwork is not worth choosing as an Executor.
- Withholding or delaying inheritance.
An executor is required to pay the debts of the deceased first and then distribute the remaining assets to the heirs and other beneficiaries. In some cases, they can only distribute after getting approval from the court.
In Reno, the Executor must distribute the assets to the rightful beneficiaries within ten months. If they do not meet this deadline, a beneficiary can file a petition for the same. Nevertheless, withholding or delaying inheritance for a long time after paying the debts is not a good sign.
- Lack of communication.
When a person dies, the heirs and beneficiaries in their Will have the right to know how and when the procedure of probate will begin. The Executor is required to notify the parties about each step of the process and maintain constant communication.
The bottom line is that this person should not be out of reach. If this is not the case, they may not be the right person for the job.
- Selling estates for less than their true value.
One of the most valuable qualities of an Executor is to act in the best interest of the heirs and the beneficiaries. Acting in the best interest includes selling estates for as much as possible and not at a discounted price. If the Executor is selling assets for less than they are truly worth, it is a red flag.