There are three characteristics I believe you should look for when choosing the Personal Representative of your estate: someone who can carry out the needed tasks is willing to serve in this role and is familiar with your unique situation.
How do you find a Personal Representative if you don’t know anyone who meets these three criteria? In other words, where can you turn to find a Personal Representative if there are no immediate candidates within your family or your close friends?
While the majority of folks find an individual in their family to serve as Personal Representative, however, if there are no immediately obvious people who you think would be a good fit, think outside of the box. Do you have any grandchildren who could do it? If your close circle of friends is older, do any of them have kids that would be able to carry out the tasks of Personal Representative?
People are typically more than willing to help out if they’re approached. Be open to reaching out to folks that have a good head on their shoulders and you are comfortable sharing your wishes with, even if they’re not a member of your immediate family. If you are still not able to find an individual to handle the task of being Personal Representative of your Estate, there are other options.
Alternatives to Working with an Individual
If finding an individual that you trust and that is willing to serve as Personal Representative for you isn’t possible, then you can look at hiring a third party to serve as the Personal Representative of your estate. For example, an experienced estate planning attorney or a local bank or trust company can be tasked to handle the duties of being your Personal Representative.
Ultimately, whether you’re able to find an individual or you opt to work with a third party to serve as your Personal Representative, it’s important to review the details of your plan and outline where your important financial documents and information are located. That will make settling your affairs a more manageable task and, ultimately, help ease the workload that you entrust to your Personal Representative.
If you are seeking help to get your Estate Plan together and live in the Daytona Beach, Florida area, call me to schedule a free consultation.
