Advice On Being An Executor

[Ligiacm]

Massachusetts

my mother past away in Sept. I'm the executor but have no clue
what to do. I have 2 very difficult sisters, what are my rights as executor?
can I decide how my moms personal property gets divided between the 3
of us eg. I choose which items go to who?
lisa

[Ligiacm]

Why an estate planning lawyer?

[curb1]

I think you should be careful and not go into a power trip. Firstly, do exactly as the will states. Secondly, why not let the sisters decide what they want? Try to work it out. Has probate been started, or are you just assuming that you are the executor?

What kind of assets are involved?

[curb1]

There is a great amount of information on the internet.

"Executor (female form: sing. = executrix, pl. = executrices) is also a legal term referring to a person named by a maker of a will, or nominated by the testator, to carry out the directions of the will. Typically, the executor is the person responsible for offering the will for probate, although it is not absolutely required that he or she do so. The executor's duties also include the disbursement of property to the beneficiaries as designated in the will, obtaining information about any other potential heirs, collecting and arranging for payment of debts of the estate and approving or disapproving creditors' claims. An executor also makes sure estate taxes are calculated, necessary forms are filed and tax payments made, and in all ways assists the attorney for the estate. Also the executor makes all donations as left in bequests to charitable and other organizations as directed in the will. In most circumstances the executor is the representative of the estate for all purposes, and has the ability to sue or be sued on behalf of the estate. The executor also holds legal title to the estate property, but may not use that property for the executor's own benefit unless expressly permitted by the terms of the will."