The Executor’s Burden: What You Need to Know
Being an Executor is Harder Than You Think
If you’ve ever been named an executor, or if you’re thinking about whom to name in your own estate plan, you might not realize just how much work this role entails. Many people assume that serving as an executor is a straightforward responsibility—gather some paperwork, pay a few bills, distribute the assets, and you’re done.
But the reality is far more complicated.
In Episode 6 of The Death Readiness Podcast, I sat down with Mollie Lacher, founder of Sunny Care Services and co-founder of Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS), to talk about the immense administrative, legal, and emotional burdens placed on executors.
If you’re an executor, an estate planner, a financial advisor, or simply someone who wants to make things easier for your loved ones, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About Being an Executor
1. Being an Executor Can Feel Like a Full-Time Job
Mollie’s personal journey into after loss services began when her father, a practicing attorney, passed away. Despite his legal background, his estate was far from simple to administer. The process fell largely on Mollie’s brother, who suddenly found himself juggling legal and financial responsibilities he hadn’t anticipated.
Executors are often grieving family members who are expected to navigate complex paperwork, legal requirements, and financial institutions—all while managing family expectations and emotions. The role can quickly become overwhelming, especially if the decedent owned property in multiple states, had business interests, or left behind an estate with unresolved legal issues.
2. Naming a Corporate Fiduciary? Check First.
A mistake I see frequently is people naming a corporate trustee or corporate executor (such as a bank or trust company) in their estate plan without confirming that the named institution is willing to serve.
Mollie’s father had done just that—he set up a trust that could only be managed by a corporate trustee, but after he passed, no institution would take it. His family was left scrambling, trying to find a way to unwind the plan he had put in place.
Corporate fiduciaries have asset minimums and specific rules about the types of estates they manage and trusts they’ll administer. As such, a corporate fiduciary may decline to serve. If you don’t confirm the corporate fiduciary’s willingness to serve as part of your estate plan, your loved ones could be left in a difficult and expensive situation.
3. After-Loss Professionals Can Help Ease the Burden
Estate administration is complicated, and many families aren’t aware that after loss professionals exist to help.
Mollie and I talked about how these professionals bridge the gap between the legal and the logistical in estate administration. They can help executors organize documents, coordinate estate settlement tasks, and manage personal property cleanouts.
Mollie co-founded Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS) to bring greater awareness to this industry. If you or someone you know is struggling with the responsibilities of being an executor, visit AfterLossPros.com to find an after-loss professional near you.
Practical Steps: How to Plan for This Now
Whether you’re an executor today or just planning for the future, there are things you can do now to make estate administration smoother:
If you’ve been named an executor:
Take your time. You don’t have to rush into making decisions.
Seek legal guidance.
Consider bringing in an after loss professional to assist with paperwork, organization, and logistics.
If you’re planning your estate:
Choose your executor carefully—someone who is organized, responsible, and willing to take on the role.
If you’re naming a corporate fiduciary, have a conversation with them first.
Keep your estate plan and important documents organized so your executor isn’t left searching for information.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
Being an executor is one of the most demanding responsibilities a person can take on—yet many people don’t realize what’s involved until they are in the middle of it. That’s why it’s so important to prepare ahead of time, have honest conversations with the people you name in your documents, and seek professional help when needed.
Check out these free resources to help get your personal information organized.
Want to learn more? Listen to the full conversation with Mollie about estate administration, executor responsibilities, and the growing field of after loss services.
