When you’re creating your will, you want to make sure that your wishes are carried out after you pass. However, you also hope that dealing with your will and other parts of your estate plan is as easy and conflict-free as possible for your loved ones.
You’re wondering if you can name multiple executors in your will to avoid some issues. The answer is yes, you can. Here’s how to determine if it’s right for you.
Your Executor Needs Help
Let’s say you name your spouse as your executor, but then you realize that they’re getting older and it may be too much for them to take care of your estate after you pass. If you name a co-executor like your child, then they could assist your spouse and make the process easier on them.
The Co-Executors Get Along
If your co-executors, such as your children, get along with one another, then there shouldn’t be any issues with having multiple executors. However, if they tend to disagree with one another, then it could be a problem.
Co-Executors Live in the Same State as You
Estate plan laws are different in every state. If one of the co-executors does not live in the same state, then it may not be a good idea to add them to your will, since the process will become much more complicated.
Another Option: Alternate Executors
If you’re worried that your executor will not be able to fulfill their responsibilities, then you can name alternate executors instead. This is not the same as a co-executor. Instead, the alternate executors would only step up if the primary executor is unable to for any reason.
Contacting Richard P. Arthur
Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, can help you create a will with one or more executors. You can call 937-254-3738 for a consultation. He has nearly three decades of experience advocating for families in Dayton and Trotwood, as well as Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, and Warren counties.