How to Confirm an Executor of a Will

An executor of a will is also known as the deceased person's personal representative. The executor is responsible for ensuring that the tenets of the will are carried out, including property distribution. The executor is also responsible for paying the taxes and any debts held by the deceased person's estate. The easiest way to confirm the executor of someone's will is to consult the will itself. If you cannot find the will, you may have to consult the deceased's attorney or the probate court of the county where the person resided.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of the will

Instructions

1. Read the deceased person's will. It names the executor of the estate. If you are not sure if the person left a will, search through his personal belongings, including any safe deposit boxes.

2. Contact the deceased person's lawyer. The lawyer most likely drew up the will for his client and should have a copy that confirms the executor of the will.

3. Consult the probate court of the county in which the deceased person lived. One of the executor's responsibilities is to file the will with the probate courts. Request a copy of the will from the probate courts, and read it to confirm the executor's identity. Some probate courts may charge you a fee for obtaining a copy of the will.

References

• Do Your Own Will: Naming an Executor
• Nolo: What Does an Executor Do?
• Napa Valley Register: Executor of will could be anybody
• IRS: FAQs About the New Tax Rules for Executors for 2010