You Were Named the Executor or Administrator of an Estate – What To Expect

When someone is designated as a personal representative for an estate, their mind is often inundated with questions and concerns about what they are legally obligated to do. In many instances, personal representatives are named an Executor/Executrix or an Administrator/Administratrix. Similarities and Differences between an Administrator and an Executor You may be wondering, "What is different from being named an Administrator versus an Executor?" Well, an Administrator is the individual appointed by a court to oversee an estate when someone passes away without a Last Will and Testament. In contrast, an Executor is the individual named by a decedent in their estate...

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Your Rights When a Hospital Agent Insists that You Use their Advance Medical Directive

My estate planning team gets asked this question quite often – what can be done if a hospital agent or administrator says that you have to use their Advance Medical Directive. Here’s the answer: Politely tell them that you have a legal right under state and federal law to create your own Medical Directive. As long as the directive complies with state law, it should be honored. State laws can include formalities like having notary, two witnesses, being of sound mind when completed, etc. Some states even include laws which say if a healthcare facility refuses to follow your directive, they must...

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