How to Choose the Right Executor for your Last Will and Testament
Deciding to create a Last Will and Testament is in your best interests as well as those of your beneficiaries’. The executor is one of the most important choices you will have to make during this process. Visit www.scclegal.com for more information.
Deciding to create a Last Will and Testament is in your best interests as well as those of your beneficiaries’. The executor is one of the most important choices you will have to make during this process. Visit www.scclegal.com for more information.
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A Complete Guide <strong>for</strong> Choosing anElder Law At<strong>to</strong>rney<br />
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Deciding <strong>to</strong> create a <strong>Last</strong> <strong>Will</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Testament</strong> or trust<br />
is in <strong>your</strong> best interests as well as those of <strong>your</strong><br />
beneficiaries’, <strong>and</strong> <strong>your</strong> final decision on who will act<br />
as execu<strong>to</strong>r is one of <strong>the</strong> most important choices you<br />
will have <strong>to</strong> make during this process.<br />
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Tip 1: Know <strong>the</strong> role<br />
Knowing what is expected of an execu<strong>to</strong>r is an important<br />
fac<strong>to</strong>r in making <strong>your</strong> decision. Execu<strong>to</strong>rs are responsible <strong>for</strong>:<br />
• Filing court papers <strong>to</strong> start <strong>the</strong> process <strong>to</strong> probate a will<br />
• Taking inven<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>the</strong> whole estate<br />
• Paying <strong>the</strong> necessary debts <strong>and</strong> taxes<br />
• Notifying agencies of <strong>the</strong> death<br />
• Preparing <strong>and</strong> filing tax returns <strong>and</strong> finally<br />
• Distributing assets <strong>to</strong> beneficiaries.<br />
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Tip 2 – Age <strong>and</strong> health fac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
While life is uncertain <strong>for</strong> everyone, it makes<br />
sense <strong>to</strong> choose an execu<strong>to</strong>r who will likely be<br />
healthy <strong>and</strong> able enough <strong>to</strong> per<strong>for</strong>m <strong>the</strong> role.<br />
For example, one of <strong>your</strong> grown children may<br />
be a better c<strong>and</strong>idate than <strong>your</strong> spouse.<br />
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Tip 3 – Character<br />
The ideal execu<strong>to</strong>r should be:<br />
• Honest<br />
• Well organized<br />
• Good at communicating with o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
• Fairly neutral <strong>to</strong> avoid relationship complications<br />
Families often choose a professional like an estate planning<br />
at<strong>to</strong>rney or someone who isn’t a named beneficiary of <strong>the</strong><br />
will, allowing <strong>the</strong> process <strong>to</strong> be seen as partial <strong>and</strong> unbiased.<br />
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Tip 4 – Location<br />
As with all legal proceedings, probate will occur<br />
within <strong>the</strong> local court system, so <strong>your</strong> execu<strong>to</strong>r must<br />
be able <strong>to</strong> appear in court <strong>and</strong> file papers as well as<br />
inven<strong>to</strong>ry property <strong>and</strong> check <strong>the</strong> deceased’s mail<br />
easily.<br />
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Tip 5 – Legal criteria<br />
In addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>your</strong> personal preferences, <strong>the</strong>re are some legal<br />
criteria that must also be adhered <strong>to</strong>. Your execu<strong>to</strong>r must be<br />
over <strong>the</strong> age of 18 <strong>and</strong> have a clean criminal record. In <strong>the</strong><br />
State of New Jersey, an out of state execu<strong>to</strong>r must also post a<br />
bond <strong>to</strong> ensure <strong>the</strong> estate against wrongful use.<br />
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Contact Frank Campisano <strong>and</strong> his team at SCC Legal<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are dealing with issues of aging parents,<br />
disputes over Medicaid <strong>and</strong> health benefits, or simply needing<br />
<strong>to</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong> safely pass <strong>your</strong> assets <strong>to</strong> <strong>your</strong> children<br />
instead of <strong>the</strong> government, SCC Legal can help!<br />
Call (973) 787-0299 or<br />
visit www.scclegal.com<br />
www.scclegal.com
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