Putting the Right People in Charge

Video Kit 1

Who Should Be Your Executor?

Objective

Choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions in an estate plan. Consumers often focus on who they love most rather than who is best suited for the responsibilities involved.

This lesson helps consumers understand what an executor actually does, the qualities to look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose someone who will faithfully carry out their wishes.

• What an executor actually does.

• The qualities of a good executor.

• Common mistakes people make when choosing an executor.

• Why naming alternate executors is important.

• When professional or corporate executors may be appropriate.

Choose Your Preparation Style

Option A — Simple Outline

• What an executor does

• Responsibilities after death

• Characteristics of a good executor

• Common mistakes

• Alternate executors

• Closing recommendation

Option B — Speaker Notes

Opening

Most people spend a great deal of time deciding who should inherit their assets. But one of the most important decisions in an estate plan is choosing the person who will actually carry out your wishes after you're gone.

Today, let's talk about how to choose the right executor.

What an Executor Does

Explain that an executor is responsible for administering an estate after death.

Discuss responsibilities such as:

• locating and protecting assets

• gathering financial information

• paying valid debts and expenses

• working with professionals when necessary

• distributing property according to the estate plan

Consumers don't need to understand every legal detail—they simply need to understand that the executor has an important job.

Transition:

"That naturally raises the next question: Who makes a good executor?"

Characteristics of a Good Executor

Discuss qualities such as:

• trustworthy

• organized

• responsible

• able to communicate with family members

• willing to serve

Mention that financial expertise usually isn't required because the executor can work with attorneys, accountants, and financial professionals.

Common Mistakes

Discuss mistakes such as:

• choosing someone simply because they are the oldest child

• selecting someone who is unreliable

• ignoring family conflict

• failing to ask whether the person is willing to serve

Encourage viewers to think carefully about who is actually best suited for the role.

Alternate Executors

Explain why naming one or more alternates is important.

Life changes.

The first choice may become unable or unwilling to serve years later.

Alternates provide flexibility.

Closing

Encourage viewers to review their existing estate plan and ask themselves whether the person they've named is still the best choice today.

If they have questions about choosing an executor under their state's laws, encourage them to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney.

Option C — Ready-to-Record Script

AEPS Note: This script is designed to sound natural when spoken. Feel free to personalize the wording, add your own stories or examples, and incorporate any state-specific information. The goal is not to read the script word-for-word, but to use it as a foundation for creating authentic educational content.

Recording Tip: This script is intentionally formatted with short paragraphs to make it easier to read naturally while recording. Pause briefly between paragraphs and feel free to personalize the wording as you go.

Who Should Be Your Executor?

One of the most important decisions in your estate plan isn't what documents you sign. It's who you choose to carry out your wishes after you're gone.

That person is called your executor.

Many people choose an executor almost as an afterthought. They simply name their oldest child, their closest relative, or the first person who comes to mind.

But serving as an executor can involve significant responsibility, so it's worth taking a little time to think about who is actually the best fit.

So what does an executor do?

After someone passes away, the executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the estate plan. Depending on your state's laws and the type of assets involved, that may include locating assets, gathering financial information, paying legitimate debts and expenses, working with attorneys or accountants, communicating with family members, and eventually distributing property to the beneficiaries.

That's an important job.

Fortunately, your executor doesn't have to know everything.

Many people assume they need to choose someone with financial or legal experience. In reality, that's usually not necessary. An executor can hire professionals to help guide them through the process when needed.

Instead of asking, "Who knows the most about finances?"

A better question is:

"Who do I trust to responsibly carry out my wishes?"

When choosing an executor, I encourage people to look for several qualities.

First, choose someone who is responsible.

You want someone who follows through on commitments and pays attention to details.

Second, choose someone who is trustworthy.

Your executor may be handling financial accounts, important documents, and family communications. Integrity matters.

Third, choose someone who communicates well.

Families often go through an emotional time after a loved one dies. An executor who communicates clearly and respectfully can help reduce unnecessary conflict.

And finally, choose someone who is willing to serve.

This may sound obvious, but many people name an executor without ever asking whether that person is comfortable accepting the responsibility.

One of the most common mistakes I see is assuming that the oldest child should automatically serve as executor.

Sometimes that's the right choice.

Sometimes it isn't.

Being the oldest doesn't necessarily mean someone is the most organized, the most responsible, or the best person for the job.

Another common mistake is choosing someone simply because you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Remember, you're not choosing someone because they're your favorite.

You're choosing someone because you believe they'll faithfully carry out your wishes.

I also encourage people to name at least one alternate executor.

Life changes.

The person you choose today may move across the country, develop health problems, or simply decide they no longer want to serve years from now.

Naming an alternate gives your estate plan flexibility if your first choice isn't able to act when the time comes.

The good news is that choosing an executor doesn't have to be complicated.

It simply requires thinking carefully about who is most likely to responsibly carry out your wishes and work well with the people involved.

If you've already created an estate plan, this is a great opportunity to review the person you've named.

Ask yourself:

"If I were making this decision today, would I choose the same person?"

If the answer is yes, that's wonderful.

If the answer is no, it may be time to update your estate plan.

Every family's situation is different, and the rules governing executors can vary from state to state.

If you have questions about who should serve as your executor or whether your current estate plan still reflects your wishes, I encourage you to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney in your state.

Which Preparation Style Is Right for You?

• Outline – Best if you're comfortable speaking naturally and prefer minimal notes.

• Guided Talking Points – Best if you like structure but don't want to read a script.

• Ready-to-Record Script – Best if you want to maximize efficiency or prefer reading from a prepared script.

State Customization Notes

Most of this lesson focuses on principles that apply in every state.

Before recording, consider whether your state has any executor-specific rules, terminology, or procedures that consumers should understand.

You may wish to briefly address topics such as:

✓ Whether your state uses the term Executor, Personal Representative, or another title.

✓ Any residency requirements or restrictions for serving as an executor.

✓ Whether your state places limits on who may serve (for example, age, felony convictions, or non-resident appointments).

✓ Any unique probate procedures or practical considerations that frequently affect families in your state.

In most cases, adding 30–60 seconds of state-specific guidance will personalize the lesson while preserving the core educational message.

Recommendation: Teach the universal concepts first, then spend the last 30–60 seconds discussing any important executor laws, probate procedures, terminology, or practical considerations that are unique to your state.

Upload Your Recording

Once your recording is complete, upload the raw video to your AEPS Dropbox folder.

AEPS will handle the editing, create appropriate Shorts, publish the completed video on YouTube and your state pages, and add it to your growing educational library.