How do I get out of being the executor of my mom’s will?
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How do I get out of being the executor of my mom’s will?
Dad is dead.
Mom in nursing home.
I am POA, but not guardian or anything,
just POA. I also am named as the
executor of my mom’s will. Som
Asked on September 6, 2016 under Estate Planning, South Dakota
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Assuming that your mother can't or won't name another executor in her Will, prior to formal court appointment, you can step down as executor and without giving any reason as to why you want to do so. You'll file a "renunciation", which is a legal document that states the person named in the Will as executor chooses not act as the representative for the estate. You will need to sign the renunciation form and file it with the appropriate probate court (i.e. the one in the county in which the maker of the Will was domiciled). This is done after the testator's death but before you are officially appointed by the court. The exact rules for renunciation vary by state (you can ask the court about this). Finally, if you're filling a renunciation, it is a good idea to notify the beneficiaries of the estate before submitting the form to the court to give them time to find another qualified person to act as executor.
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