It is common for someone writing a will to appoint as their
executor a family member or friend. Sometimes this is done
without understanding what it means to be an executor.
Sometimes the ability and propriety of the proposed executor is not
considered. Often, the relationship between the proposed
executor and the will-maker changes after the will has been
written. Sometimes joint executors cease to get along.
These types of issues frequently do not come up until after the
will-maker has died. However, each of these scenarios may
cause problems in administering an estate or trust. In
addition, this may give rise to misunderstandings and distrust
between the executor/trustee and the beneficiaries, often other
family members. The administration of the estate or trust
can, sadly, descend into acrimony and bitterness with the executor
doing nothing, doing things that may not be appropriate or joint
executors failing to agree. What can be done?
