Jack’s job as the executor or personal representative of his mother’s Will means he must take care of her personal property properly after her death.  That means securing it against theft or other loss.  And that may mean that he needs to learn some new skills.

For example, if his mother had pets, Jack must make sure they remain fed and cared for.  Sam, her loud pet parrot, may offer quite the challenge for Jack.  Regardless, because Sam is part of his mother’s personal property, Jack is bound to protect and preserve Sam whether he likes the bird or not.

Similarly, his mother’s farm needs to be properly handled.  Depending on how she was operating her farmland, Jack probably has some work to do.  Even if she was not personally farming it and it is winter, but she had grain or other crops in storage, Jack must be sure to sell it in customary and timely fashion so as to prevent the grain from losing value, even if he really knows almost nothing about running the farm.

Of course, Jack does not have to personally load and sell the grain or take care of her parrot himself, but he does need to make the arrangements to have everything necessary done properly. 

Your estate plan should take into account the talents and expertise of your personal representative and the demands of your property.  To learn about your estate planning options, call our office at (815) 436-1996 for an appointment.  © 2013 Gruber Law Office