Planning for people’s passing in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area is not something people typically like to think about. However, like people plan for other aspects of their future, they should also plan for what will happen to their property after they die. One of the most important parts of the planning process is to have a will.
Wills are the documents that state people’s wishes for who will receive their property when they pass away. Wills allow people to choose more than just family members to receive their property. It also allows people to give different amounts to different people instead of giving them all an equal share.
However, the will is just the document that states your wishes, it does not physically transfer the property to the proper beneficiaries in the will. That is done by the personal representative named in the will. This is an important job and you should take time choosing the appropriate individual to be your personal representative.
Qualities of a good executor (or personal representative)
Good qualities to have in a personal representative include:
- A person with a financial background or is generally good with numbers and organized
- Someone who has a good eye for detail
- A person at a sufficient age to understand the complexities of estate administration, but someone you expect to be alive when you pass away
- A person who understands your goals and your wishes in your will
- It can also be helpful to choose someone who lives in a relatively close proximity to you as the property will be where you live
While the distribution of your property is probably the most important aspect of a will in Pennsylvania, choosing the personal representative to administer the estate is also important. People may want to simply choose a family member they are closest to, but sometimes that person is not the best option. Experienced attorneys understand how to draft a good will and may be able to guide you through the process.