When you draft a will in New Jersey, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who to name as your executor — the person responsible for carrying out your final wishes. It’s a role that carries significant legal, financial, and administrative responsibility.
What Does an Executor Actually Do?
- File the will with the New Jersey Surrogate’s Court and open probate
- Notify beneficiaries and creditors of the estate
- Take inventory of all estate assets
- Pay valid debts, taxes, and final expenses
- Manage estate assets during the administration period
- File the final income tax return and any estate tax returns
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will
- Close the estate and provide a final accounting
Qualities to Look for in an Executor
- Organizational ability: The role involves significant paperwork and deadlines.
- Trustworthiness: The executor has access to all estate assets.
- Availability: Estate administration can take months to years.
- Emotional stability: They must make sound decisions while grieving.
- Geographic proximity: Being local to NJ simplifies court filings and property management.
Can You Name a Professional as Executor?
Yes. In New Jersey, you can name an attorney, accountant, or corporate trustee as executor. This can be a wise choice for large or complex estates, situations where family conflict is likely, or when there are no obvious family candidates.
Always Name an Alternate
Circumstances change. Always name an alternate executor in your will to avoid court-appointment delays if your first choice cannot serve.
Talk to Your Executor Before You Name Them
Have a candid conversation with your chosen executor about what the role entails. Attorney Paolo Bruno helps clients walk through this conversation and prepares executors with clear guidance about their future responsibilities.
Get your estate plan right from the start. Contact Bruno Law Group today.
Call: (201) 720-9972 | Email: info@brunolawgroup.com | Visit: brunolawgroup.com
