Who gets the power after a loved one has passed?

By Patricia Nugent

One of the many reasons people are hesitant about drafting a will is making the decision regarding whom to name as their executor.

“An executor is responsible for making sure a person’s affairs are put in order after they pass,” explains local elder care attorney Margaret T. Karl. “They make sure assets are transferred to the beneficiaries and take care of the estate, paying bills and taxes, selling the home, and so on.”

In wills drafted in the state of Ohio, the executor must also live in the state. For aging parents with children who live out of state, that can create a problem.

“If the kids are not in Ohio, we often see people choose a professional such as an attorney, financial advisor or pastor,” she says. “Whoever you choose, I strongly recommend someone who is accessible, highly organized, and capable of handling paperwork. The more planning we do in putting the will together, the easier that makes it on the executor.”

When people ask Margie why it’s better to work with a lawyer to prepare their final wishes instead of a document they can download online, she tells them it usually ends up costing more in the long run to do a one-size-fits-all document that might not be suited to their needs.

Margaret T. Karl, Attorney at Law, is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. Call 440-782-5051 or visit OlmstedOhioLaw.com.