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How to reduce tension as an executor in Pennsylvania

On Behalf of | Aug 5, 2022 | Estate Planning

It’s an honor for someone in Pennsylvania to entrust you to carry out their wishes and care for their loved ones and estate. But, dealing with taxes, creditors, squabbling family members, and sometimes assets that are outside the state, with the court watching your every move, all while grieving your lost friend, family, or partner, will probably be your most stressful job ever. Therefore, to do your job effectively, you must find a way not to let the tension get in the way.

Tips for overwhelmed executors

Most executors feel a lot of tension because there’s so much to do within a limited amount of time. However, if you can get organized from the start by making a list of things that need to be done and dealing with them one at a time, you’ll have a better chance of completing everything without getting overwhelmed.

If you have a lot of family members who are all asking for updates or want to be involved in the decision-making process, it’s best to set some ground rules at the beginning. Let them know how often you’ll update them and what sort of information you’re comfortable sharing. It might also be helpful to appoint one person as the point of contact for everyone else so that you’re only dealing with one person instead of multiple people.

Tension can also arise when there are disagreements about what should be done with the estate. The best way to handle this is by communicating openly with everyone involved and trying to reach a consensus. However, you must remember that the deceased wishes should be given priority.

Estate administration takes time and a lot of effort for it to be successful. So, while carrying out your fiduciary duties, it’s also important to take time to grieve and heal. Losing a loved one can make a person anxious and unable to concentrate, consequently affecting their job.

Tension is something that almost every executor experiences while carrying out their duties in Pennsylvania. The job itself is overwhelming, and problems can arise from every direction. But, with the right approach, you can ensure the deceased wishes are carried out smoothly and with as little stress as possible.

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