If a beneficiary is not responding, document document document. Try multiple methods of communications on varying dates and times. Keep a record of those attempts and eventually you will either have a record that they are neglecting and abandoning or they will show up because you're too annoying.

Let’s end the week with questions. What is one GENERAL question you have about: → Being an executor → Serving as trustee → Power of Attorney → Health care decision-making → Helping aging parents → Estate planning → Probate or trust administration Drop it below. Please leave out names, account information, medical details, or anything else private. I’ll answer a few here in the community — and some may become topics for future Trustee School Office Hours or new resources. And yes: “There is a document with my name on it and I have absolutely no idea what it means” is a perfectly acceptable starting point. 😄

When someone dies, one of the safest early principles is: PRESERVE FIRST. DISTRIBUTE LATER. You may not yet know: → Which Will controls → What belongs to the probate estate → Whether debts exist → Whether taxes are due → Whether the executor has been formally appointed → Whether someone will object → Whether an item was actually owned by the person who died So those first days are usually much more about: Secure it. Document it. Understand it. And much less about: “Who gets what?” Estate administration rewards patience.

Someone names you as Agent under their Power of Attorney. That means their money is basically yours to manage however you think is best. TRUE or FALSE? And if you know the answer — tell me WHY in one sentence. Bonus points for explaining it without using lawyer words. 😄

You’re named executor. A parent dies and you arrive at the house. Your siblings are already going through drawers and putting things into boxes. Nobody is fighting. They’re just saying: “We’re only taking the sentimental stuff.” What’s your move? A — Let it go; sentimental things don’t matter B — Tell everyone to stop removing property for now C — Photograph everything first and then let them take it D — Call the lawyer immediately E — I’m climbing back into my car 😂 What do you think?