Learn to navigate the complexities of wills, probate, and estate management
Embrace the inevitable with confidence: attend Executor School
FEBRUARY 5-25 2025
4 Wednesday evenings
6PM-8PM MST
MAY 27 – JUNE 17 2025
4 Tuesday evenings
6PM-8PM MST
SEPTEMBER 7-28 2025
4 Sunday afternoons
3PM-5PM MST
NOVEMBER 1-22 2025
4 Saturday mornings
10AM-12PM MST
Facilitated Learning Planning and Prep for Executorship
At Executor School, we go beyond the basics
Our four-module program dives deep into the nuances of wills, executor responsibilities, and the delicate balance required to be a successful executor. With a focus on values-based decisions, practical insights, and real-world scenarios, we prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a Death Project Manager.
Course Description
This course offers an in-depth exploration of executorship, including the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of wills and estate management. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, students will learn what it takes to navigate the complexities of being an executor, from preparing for the role, through initial steps after a death, to the final distribution of assets.
Learning Objectives
Module 1: Introduction to Wills & Executorship
By the end of this workshop, learners will be able to:
~Use basic terminology related to executorship and estate management
~Discuss the pros and cons of having a will
~Name major life changes that should trigger a will review
~List the key roles of both estate owner and executor
~Summarize how the roles of estate owner and executor work best together
Module 2: What It Means to Be a Good Executor
By the end of this workshop, learners will be able to:
~Explain the roles, responsibilities, risks, and rights of estate owners and executors
~List the three key pillars of executorship
~Describe the characteristics of a good executor
~Discuss why choosing the right executor is important
Module 3: You’re an Executor…Now What?!
By the end of this workshop, learners will be able to:
~Audit where they are in the role of executor
~Apply knowledge of the responsibilities of executorship to the role itself
~Explain how to apply the three pillars of executorship
~Identify and mitigate legal and financial liabilities of executorship
Interpret the boundaries and timelines associates with closing out an estate
~Investigate where the authority of an executor’s role begins and ends
Module 4: Your Executor Task List
By the end of this workshop, learners will be able to:
~Explain the order in which executor tasks must be carried out
~Prioritize executorship tasks effectively, wherever they are in the process
~Schedule executorship tasks efficiently
~Communicate effectively to beneficiaries and other stakeholders on estate closure process
~Find the resources they need to perform their duties as executor
~Build a realistic plan to carry out and complete their duties as executor
Course Schedule
Duration: 4 weeks
Frequency: Once a week
Session Length: 2 hours per workshop
Course Delivery
Online via Zoom
Faclitation Style
Eight hours of small group instruction, broken down into two-hour sessions over four weeks. Learners also get one hour of private individual consultation with the facilitator to discuss their specific needs.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to navigate executorship with the knowledge and resources they need to close out someone's life: ~Confidently, with less work and rework, and more appropriate delegation of duties ~With better documentation, record keeping, and organization throughout the process ~Competently and efficiently managing estate-related tasks with fewer professional interventions ~Clearer communications to beneficiaries and other stakeholders ~By making better informed decisions in the role and when drafting/updating their own will or end of life plan
Course Materials
Course materials will include lectures, practical exercises, and resources provided during the modules. Students will have access to worksheets, templates, monthly group calls, and a private community for future learning, discussion, and support.
- Module 1: Introduction to Wills & Executorship
- Module 2: What it means to be a good executor
- Module 3: You’re an Executor…Now what?!
- Module 4: Your Executor Task List
Module 1: Introduction to Wills & Executorship
This module lays the groundwork for navigating the complexities of estate planning with confidence and clarity. Learn basic terminology. View wills from both the planning and execution side. Explore the estate owner and executor perspectives, and how to set up a will to make it easier for those left behind to fulfill the spirit and intent of your wishes.
- Essential Definitions: Master the fundamental terminology of estate planning, ensuring a solid foundation for deeper exploration into the field.
- Impact of Changes on Your Will: Learn how life changes can affect your will and the importance of keeping your estate plan current.
- The Significance of Having a Will: Understand the profound differences between having a will and the consequences of not having one, highlighting the critical role a will plays in estate planning.
- Drafting Your Will: Gain insights into the considerations necessary for drafting a will that reflects your values and wishes, ensuring your legacy is preserved as intended.
- Key Estate Planning Documents: Familiarize yourself with the essential documents involved in estate planning, from wills to powers of attorney and healthcare directives, providing a comprehensive overview of the documents that safeguard your and your family’s future.
Module 3: You’re an Executor
…Now what?!
Take a deeper dive into the roles and responsibilities of being the Executor: your obligations, boundaries of authority, and best practices. With a focus on practical skills and professional know-how, we guide you through the complexities of estate management, ensuring you're fully equipped to handle your responsibilities with expertise and ease. Identify executorship danger zones and how to avoid the most common family, legal, and financial pitfalls.
- In-Depth Understanding of Executor Duties: Learn the critical roles and duties of an executor, from fiduciary responsibilities to acting as a financial and legal representative, decision-maker, beneficiary advocate, administrator, and effective communicator.
- Master the Art of Delegation: Discover the importance of delegation as an essential obligation, including securing, evaluating, and caring for assets, maintaining records, and managing financials, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
- Expert Guidance on Managing Expectations: Gain insights into setting realistic expectations, with clear dos and don’ts to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth estate management process.
- Boundary Setting: Understand the legal boundaries and restrictions imposed by the will, including common mistakes, best practices, and strategies for mitigating legal risks.
- Responsibility and Authority: Learn how to take full responsibility in your role, including knowing your rights, seeking necessary resources, and ensuring transparency and effective communication.
Module 2: What it means to be a good executor
Learn the roles, responsibilities, risks, and rights of both estate owner and executor. Explore the nuanced relationship between the two roles. Gain insight into the benefits of an effective collaborative partnership between estate owner and executor-in-waiting, and how to leverage it when planning your own estate.
- Importance of the Right Executor: Understand why the choice of executor is paramount to the successful administration of an estate.
- Executor-Estate Owner Dynamics: Explore the relationship dynamics and expectations between the estate owner and the executor.
- Criteria for Choosing an Executor: Learn how to make values-based decisions when selecting an executor, ensuring alignment with the estate’s objectives.
- Executor Responsibilities: Gain an overview of the broad scope of duties an executor is expected to fulfill, from a leadership perspective.
- Traits of Effective Executors: Identify the qualities that distinguish a good executor from a poor one, emphasizing the traits that contribute to successful estate administration.
- Executor Rights: Acquaint yourself with the rights of an executor, understanding the legal and ethical framework within which they operate.
- Estate Owner’s Role: Delve into the responsibilities of the estate owner in relation to executorship, ensuring clarity and preparedness for both parties.
- Benefits of Excellence in Executorship: Discover the mutual benefits for both the estate and the executor when the role is executed with diligence and integrity.
Module 4: Your Executor Task List
Get a clear roadmap for prioritizing and handling executorship tasks efficiently. Learn the order of duties and payments with a practical task list and schedule. Discover professional resources available, and what to do when things don’t go according to plan. Leave with a realistic plan, well-prepared to navigate the complexities of executorship and estate administration.
- Prioritizing Executor Duties: Master the correct order of operations, including prioritizing funeral expenses, estate administration costs, taxes, creditors, and ultimately, distributions to beneficiaries.
- Access to Professional Resources: Learn how to leverage professional resources effectively to aid in the execution of your duties, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Comprehensive Task List and Scheduling: Dive into a detailed review of your executor task list, complete with scheduling recommendations to keep you organized and on track throughout the estate administration process.
Facilitated Executorship
Workshops.
$597 /per person
Why Choose Us?
Once registered, we will contact you to discuss payment options.
Your spot can be reserved with full or partial payment.
Executor School is a Canadian-based education program that can help you reduce time, energy, and costs by getting you prepared to ask good questions, locate practical resources, and make well informed decisions about end-of-life planning.
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Disclaimer
The information provided by Executor School is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as tax, accounting, legal, regulatory, financial, medical, or other professional advice. It is not meant to be a substitute for tax, accounting, legal, regulatory, financial, medical, or other professional advice. Executor School attendees, or visitors to this website, should always consult their own tax, accounting, legal, regulatory, financial, medical, or other professional advisors.
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