What happens if the executor of a will dies?

If the executor of a will in Virginia dies before the will is fully executed, then the estate of the deceased may need a new executor. The court can appoint an executor to take over the responsibilities, which would usually be a family member. If the will was partially executed before the executor died, then the estate may also need to be re-administered. This means that the court will look at the instructions of the deceased, as outlined in the will, and figure out the best way to carry out the wishes of the deceased. The court may appoint a substitute executor, or the will might specify an alternate executor. In this case, the alternate executor could complete the tasks that were left unfinished by the original executor. The court also has the authority to appoint an administrator of the estate of the deceased. This administrator would be responsible for collecting and managing the assets of the deceased, distributing the assets to the beneficiaries and settling any debts or taxes that may be associated with the estate. Regardless of the scenario, the highest priority is to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are followed. Therefore, it’s important to seek the help of a legal professional to interpret the will and ensure that the estate is properly managed.

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