Many people select someone who will inherit a substantial amount of their property. This makes sense because such a person is likely to do a conscientious job of managing your affairs after your death. He or she may also know where your records are kept and understand why you want your property left as you have directed.

Legally, you can name anyone you want to be your executor. In most states, the only people who can't serve as executors are children under 18 or convicted felons. Some states do, however, impose restrictions on out-of-state executors. For example, a few require that an out-of-state executor be a relative or a primary beneficiary under your will. And some states require that a nonresident executor obtain a bond (an insurance policy that protects your beneficiaries in the event of the executor's wrongful use of your estate's property) or name an in-state resident to act as the estate's representative.

No matter who you pick, make sure the person is willing to do the job. Discuss it together before you finalize your will. When it comes time, however, an executor can accept or decline the responsibility. And someone who agrees to serve can resign at any time. If the will named an alternate executor, that person will take over. If not, the court will appoint someone to step in.

Must an executor hire a lawyer?

Not always. Doing a good job requires persistence, and attention to tedious detail, but not necessarily a law degree. If assets must go through probate court, the process is mainly paperwork. In the vast majority of cases, there are no disputes that require a decision by a judge, and the executor may never see the inside of a courtroom. It may even be possible to do everything by mail.

An executor can probably handle the paperwork without a lawyer if he or she is the main beneficiary, the deceased person's property consists of common kinds of assets (house, bank accounts, insurance), the will seems straightforward, and good self-help materials are at hand. (One good book is