How to Name an Executor or Personal Representative

An executor, also called a personal representative, is the person in charge of distributing property to heirs and settling a decedent's estate. A female appointed to handle an estate is sometimes called an executrix. Naming an executor in a will avoids the need for a court-appointed executor after death and usually saves the estate money. This is because court-appointed executors generally charge high fees in contrast to relatives or friends who are chosen to serve.

Choose an executor who is responsible, competent, trustworthy and willing to serve. Check executor restrictions in your state since some jurisdictions prohibit felons from serving or have special requirements for executors living out-of-state. Also check state age requirements since executors usually must be at least 18 years old.

Include a provision in your will that specifically appoints the person of your choice as executor of your estate. When drafting your will, you should always consider consulting a legal advisor or online legal document service. Make the appointment direct and clear. For example, "I hereby nominate John Doe to serve as executor of my estate." Consider appointing an alternate executor in case your first choice is unable to serve. For example, "If John Doe cannot or will not act as my estate's executor, I nominate Jack Smith as alternate executor."

Consider waiving bond requirements for your executor. This means your executor will not need to post a bond to begin probating the estate. Also consider allowing for an independent or unsupervised probate of your estate. This allows for a quicker process since the executor, who then may be referred to as an independent administrator, can act with less probate court involvement. Check your state laws and carefully consider your particular circumstances when making decisions about bonds and independent probate directions.