When people think about estate planning, they often focus on what will happen to their money and property. But an equally important decision—one that can have a lasting impact on how smoothly an estate is handled—is choosing who will be responsible for carrying out those final wishes. That person is the executor, and selecting the right one can mean the difference between a seamless transition and a stressful, confusing process for your loved ones.
At Curio Wealth, we often find ourselves guiding clients through this critical decision. While we don’t draft legal documents, we do serve as a central point of support in the estate planning process, helping clients understand how their choices about executorship align with their broader financial picture. Because many of our client relationships span decades, these conversations are deeply personal and rooted in trust.
Why the Executor Matters
An executor’s job is to carry out the terms of your will, pay off debts, manage final taxes, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. While it might sound like a straightforward administrative task, the role is often far more complex and emotionally charged.
Executors must not only deal with forms and filings, but they’re also often called upon to navigate family dynamics and communicate with multiple beneficiaries. Add in the stress of grief and the pressure of deadlines, and it’s easy to see how the wrong choice could create challenges for everyone involved.
That’s why we encourage clients to think carefully—sometimes even more carefully than they might expect—about who they’re naming as executor.
What Makes a Good Executor?
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the belief that an executor should be someone local. While geographic proximity can be helpful in some cases, it’s usually far more important to choose someone who is detail-oriented, financially savvy, and emotionally equipped to deal with beneficiaries. In today’s digital world, much of the work can be done remotely, and most financial tasks and paperwork can be handled electronically.
Here are a few qualities we encourage our clients to prioritize:
- Organized and Responsible: There are many moving parts in estate administration, and deadlines matter. Your executor should be someone who follows through and pays attention to detail.
- Emotionally Steady: Executors often deal with grieving family members and must remain level-headed while making difficult decisions.
- Good Communicator: Clear communication with beneficiaries, attorneys, financial institutions, and tax professionals is critical.
- Available and Healthy: The process of settling an estate can take anywhere from several months to a year or more. Your executor should be in a position to see the process through.
The Role We Play
Because we work closely with our clients and often know their families and financial details, we’re uniquely positioned to support both the selection of an executor and the process that follows. Sometimes we attend meetings with estate attorneys to help ensure the estate plan is practical and aligned with the client’s financial strategy. Other times, we help clients write letters to their executors explaining the locations of accounts, key contacts, and special instructions—especially when the estate involves charitable gifts or special needs beneficiaries.
After a client passes, we often work directly with the executor to make sure they have the right paperwork, understand how accounts should be handled, and can follow through on the client’s wishes. In many ways, we act as the “financial translator,” helping bridge the gap between legal documents and financial implementation.
Common Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them
We’ve seen firsthand how a few thoughtful decisions can prevent significant stress later. Here are three common pitfalls and how to plan around them:
- Choosing Multiple Co-Executors: It might seem fair to name all your children as co-executors, but in reality, it can create headaches. All executors typically need to sign paperwork and make decisions jointly, which slows down the process and can lead to conflict. We generally advise choosing one primary executor and naming a backup.
- Prioritizing Proximity Over Competency: Selecting a local child over one who lives farther away but has stronger financial or organizational skills can backfire. In the digital age, being physically close is far less important than being capable.
- Lack of Clear Records: One of the most frustrating scenarios for executors is not knowing where accounts are or what assets exist. A simple document listing account types, institutions, and key contacts can make all the difference. We often help clients consolidate accounts and create a centralized view to minimize this risk.
Peace of Mind Through Planning
Ultimately, our goal is to help clients create a plan that gives them peace of mind—both for themselves and their loved ones. Choosing the right executor is a part of good planning. Whether you’re selecting an executor or have been named one yourself, the best outcomes come from preparing ahead, being realistic about responsibilities, and having a trusted team in place to help.
At Curio Wealth, we’re here not just for the investment management, but to help clients navigate all the major decisions that come with wealth, especially the ones that can impact their family’s future.
If you’d like help thinking through your estate plan or executor decision, we’re just a conversation away.
