Getting Ready to Be an Executor

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Serving as an executor is an honor, but it's also a big responsibility. You'll probably spend months, and maybe longer, wrapping up the estate. Should you take on the job? Here are some things to think about--and suggestions for what you can do now to make the job easier when the time comes.

First Things to Think About

Should You Serve as an Executor?
Making this decision depends on your individual situation as well as the general demands of the executor's job.

Making the Job Easier
If you know ahead of time that you'll be acting as executor, you can take steps now to make the job much smoother.

Should There Be a New Will?
You may want to ask the person who wants you to serve as executor to make a new will.

Accepting Payment
You're entitled to payment for serving as executor--but it's not always a good idea to accept it.

Resources from Nolo

The Executor's Guide
A thorough guide to settling a loved one's estate, whether you're handling it alone or working with a lawyer.

How to Probate an Estate in California
Everything you need (including court forms) to take an estate, big or small, through California probate court.