Choosing an Executor or Trustee: Making Informed Decisions
The Key Decision: Choosing Your Executor or TrusteeSelecting an executor (called a Personal Representative in Massachusetts) or trustee is a critical decision in your estate planning journey. These individuals play key roles in ensuring your wishes are carried out and your assets are managed according to your instructions. Making the right choice is essential to a smooth and effective estate plan.
What is an Executor and a Trustee?Executor/Personal Representative:
Selecting the Right Executor or TrusteeChoosing the right person or entity for these roles requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to guide your decision:
1. Trustworthiness:
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Questions About Choosing a Personal Representative/Executor?
We have a FREE online workshop with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys to help give you the answers you need to get started on your road to peace of mind.
Professional Trustee Options
If you're concerned about family dynamics or complexity, professional trustees, such as banks or trust companies, can serve as impartial fiduciaries. They offer expertise, experience, and neutrality, ensuring your wishes are carried out precisely.
Conclusion
Selecting the right executor or trustee is a pivotal decision in your estate planning process. Careful consideration, open communication, and a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities are key. At slnlaw, we specialize in guiding you through this critical decision-making process. Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you make informed choices and tailor your plan to achieve your unique goals.
Meet Our Estate Planning Lawyers
Emily Smith-Lee is the owner and founder of slnlaw. She is a 1996 graduate of Boston College Law School. She was previously a partner at the Boston office of a large international firm, where she worked for thirteen years before starting the firm that became slnlaw in 2009. She has been recognized as Massachusetts Superlawyer each year since 2013, and in 2018 earned recognition as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's Lawyers of the Year.
Jenna Ordway: Jenna is a 2013 graduate of Quinnipiac Law School, and also earned an LLM in Taxation from Boston University in 2015. She has been affiliated with slnlaw since 2011, first as a law clerk and then as an attorney. Jenna has been recognized since 2019 as a "Rising Star" by Massachusetts Superlawyers. Jenna wrote a book on estate planning: The Road to Peace of Mind: What You Need to Know About Estate Planning. Jenna has helped many individuals and families with planning to protect their legacies and loved ones, and planning for the future and succession of their businesses.
Sharleen Tinnin: Sharleen is a 2010 graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, and earned her LLM in estate planning from Western New England Scool of Law in 2016. She has been with slnlaw since 2023. Prior to joining slnlaw, she worked with King, Tilden, McEttrick & Brink, P.C. on complex civil litigation matters. She previously worked for the United States Department of Justice, and received an "Excellence in Justice" award in 2017. Sharleen has helped many clients with planning for their legacies and their future, and navigating the probate process in Massachusetts after the death of a loved one.
How We Can Help
At slnlaw, our dedicated team specializes in helping individuals navigate the selection process for executors and trustees. We offer personalized guidance and legal expertise to ensure your estate planning decisions align with your goals and values. You can use the button below to schedule a free information call, or simply give us a call at 781-784-2322.
Jenna Ordway
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