When a family member or close friend passes away, the person named as executor often steps into the role thinking of it as an honor. In reality, it can quickly become something much more demanding.
Consider a typical situation: An individual dies with a family home, investment and retirement accounts and has named beneficiaries. The executor will need to gather financial records, coordinate with attorneys and accountants, manage or sell property, file tax returns and make decisions that directly affect what each beneficiary ultimately receives.
