Florida residents like you settle down to create your estate plan. This is often a time-consuming process full of legal hurdles. It is difficult to navigate if you have never worked with legal matters before.
Today, we will discuss one of the first things you should focus on when creating your estate plan. This is the selection of your personal representative, also known as an executor in other states.
What to ask yourself when choosing a personal representative
HuffPost discusses some of the qualities to look for when choosing a personal representative. This should come early on in the planning process. Why? Because they will carry your directives out. They ensure that your estate plan goes as planned. They make sure everything gets where it needs to go. They should have ample opportunity to familiarize themselves with your plan.
When selecting a personal representative, there are several questions to keep in mind. Do you click with them on a personal level? Do they have a good work ethic? Do you think they can handle this undertaking? Sometimes, you have one person in mind for the role. You may get along with them well, but they do not have what it takes to manage an estate. This is a grueling job that can last years. It takes someone with a certain skill set.
Finding a good balance in a personal representative
Other times, you may know someone who has the skills you need. They excel with organizational and communication skills. But you may not always see eye to eye on important matters. This could create conflict, too. The ideal personal representative is a balance of both of these things. They often coincide with your beliefs, especially when it comes to core values. They also have the skills necessary to manage such an undertaking.