Texas Probate  | 2-minute read
Texas Executor of Estate| The Neverending Book of Probate | Estate Administration Texas

 

The Never-Ending Book of Probate:
Being An Executor In Texas.
Author: Virginia Hammerle, Attorney

Link: https://legaltalktexas.hammerle.com/probate/never-ending-book-probate-being-executor-in-texas/

 

This is a quick read from veteran Texas probate attorney Virginia Hammerle, cutting through the minutia and laying out the general road ahead for Texas Executors.  Actually, the advice fits all 50 states, but estate law is very specific from state to state; to avoid confusion with terms and procedures by executors from the other 49, we’ve labeled this article, ‘Texas Only’.  This one’s for you Texas!

While you can read it for yourself (it’s a 2-minute piece) we love this article because it hits the right notes, practical and straightforward.  Ms. Hammerle runs down the general list of responsibilities and tasks, both immediate and long-term.  Having a handle on the project ahead is key to not getting overwhelmed, and knowing what’s on your plate.

There’s a bit of finesse to being an executor. Estates are notorious for being the turning point for many families, and as executor, your role in the family dynamic is an important (although understated) one.  To this, Hammerle offers the following…

“Above all, you don’t want to provoke hostilities where they can be avoided. You should be sensitive to the feelings of your siblings and communicate with them regularly.”

Good advice, yet challenging if your siblings are boneheads or worse.  We might add, “Keep it together”.  Don’t bring your own emotional baggage to the table.  See it in your role to keep the emotional energy down, not up. Read Hammerle’s article, ‘Dealing with Unruly Family Members’, below.  (While it pertains to a family business, the dynamics of administering an estate on your family’s behalf are very similar.)  Congratulations, you’re the CEO.

So, you wanted to be an executor?

 

Also from Virginia Hammerle:

Here’s an Heir, There’s an Heir, Heirs are Everywhere

A Royal Pain in the Arse: Dealing with Unruly Members in the Family Business

Other Executorium.com reads:

On Second Thought, “No,” I Don’t Want to be an Executor.

Liz Weston: Why you don’t want to be an executor

Mediation: How to Resolve Estate Disputes Effectively & Efficiently