Chapter 27: Choosing the Executor
Some Tips on Getting the Right Person

OK. Let’s assume you’ve followed this book’s advice and, working with your lawyer, crafted a well-thought-out estate plan, one that protects your assets from unintended taxes, provides for your loved ones, business interests, and favored causes, and leaves clear final instructions for your funeral and other final arrangements. Secure in the knowledge that you’ve tied up all the loose ends and done everything you could to ease the burden on your family, you close your eyes for the last time.

Now what?

What, if anything, happens to you is a matter for metaphysics, spirituality, and other subjects beyond the scope of this book. But, in chapter 29, we can tell you what happens to your estate, and knowing what’s in store for it and your survivors can help you make decisions now that will make the process easier for them.

Before we get to that, though, you need to pick the person (or persons or institution) to be in charge of your assets after you’re gone: the executor of your will and the trustee of any trusts you set up (see see next chapter).