You’ve Been Named Executor. Now What the Hell Do You Do?

Being named an executor sounds honorable—until you’re staring down a stack of paperwork, unsure where to even start. Most people don’t realize that settling an estate isn’t just about handing out belongings. It’s about navigating probate court, managing finances, tracking down assets, paying off debts in the right legal order, and keeping everything meticulously documented. It’s a lot. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this post, I break down what being an executor really means, what to do first, and how to move through the process without losing your mind—or your weekend.