Why your executor doesn’t have to be family—and maybe shouldn’t be.
Most people automatically name a spouse, adult child, or sibling as their executor. It feels like the obvious choice: they know you, they care, and hey—they’re free, right?
But here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: just because they love you doesn’t mean they’re the right person to manage your estate.
The role of executor isn’t a symbolic gesture. It’s a legal job with real responsibilities. And depending on the complexity of your estate (or the dysfunction of your family), it can get messy, fast.
Why a Family Member Might Not Be the Best Choice
They’re grieving. Expecting someone to handle legal paperwork, debt, taxes, and family drama while mourning your death is… a lot.
They’re not organized or financially savvy. Managing an estate is not the time for “I’ll figure it out as I go.”
They live out of province or country. This can create delays and legal complications.
There’s family tension. If your heirs don’t get along now, they won’t magically start once you’re gone.
They’re overwhelmed. Most people have no idea what an executor actually does—and it’s often way more than expected.
They feel guilted into it. Being named in your will might feel like an “honor,” but some people just aren’t up for the role—and won’t tell you that.
You Can Choose a Professional Instead
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to leave this to family. You can name a professional executor—like a lawyer, trust company, or Certified Executor Advisor—to carry out your wishes with experience, neutrality, and zero emotional baggage.
These professionals know how to:
Navigate probate
Handle taxes and debts
Manage timelines and paperwork
Communicate with heirs
Avoid family conflict
Keep everything legal, documented, and on track
They don’t panic. They don’t get pulled into sibling arguments. And they don’t ghost the group chat when things get hard.
Peace of Mind Isn’t Priceless, But It’s Worth It
Yes, hiring a professional costs money. But so does a messy, delayed, or contested estate. Sometimes the best gift you can leave behind isn’t money, it’s clarity.
Want to Learn More?
This is one of the biggest topics we cover in my upcoming seminars. If you’ve ever wondered who should be in charge when you're gone—or what that person will really have to do—join us. We’ll talk through what makes a good executor, red flags to watch for, and why planning ahead can save your family time, money, and conflict.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates, and bring your questions.
Or better yet, bring your future executor.
Being named an executor is an honor, but it can also be overwhelming. From handling legal paperwork and navigating probate to paying debts, filing taxes, and managing family expectations, the role comes with serious responsibility. Most people have no idea what they’re signing up for until they’re in it, and by then, it’s too late to back out.
That’s why I’ve created this page: to give you the tools, clarity, and confidence to understand the job, ask the right questions, and decide whether you’re truly the right fit or if naming a professional might be the better option.
Choosing the right executor is important, but it’s only half the battle. Even the most capable executor can’t do their job properly if you haven’t left clear instructions or made essential plans. Without a will, funeral arrangements, or organized paperwork, your executor is often left guessing while juggling grief, deadlines, and impatient family members. Preplanning your funeral, outlining your wishes, and keeping your documents in order isn’t just thoughtful, it’s necessary. It’s the difference between a smooth process and complete chaos.
Jeanni Guenther, CEA
Family Service Couselor with Dignity Memorial
With over a decade of experience in preplanning and aftercare, I’m dedicated to helping families make informed decisions with confidence. I provide compassionate guidance and personalized support, ensuring every detail is handled with care and expertise.
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If you’re thinking about preplanning, I’m here to help make the process simple and stress-free, to learn more request a meeting with me today. In addition, answers to frequently asked preplanned arraement question can be found here. Reach out today to explore your options and start planning with confidence.
I proudly serve families in Leduc, Leduc County, Stony Plain, Barrhead, and the Edmonton area.
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With over 10 years of experience in pre-need funeral planning in Alberta.
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