Become an executor

• 1). Make your intentions known to the person as he makes out his will, if you are willing to take on this responsibility. There is no conflict of interest if you are a beneficiary. In fact, being the executor will ensure that you can protect your own interests. If the person agrees to accept your offer, he will name you executor.
  
  If the person making the will is your husband or wife, chances are you will be the executor. If your spouse--or a parent or other relative--dies intestate (without a will), you may be required to be the executor.
  
  
• 2). Apply to serve as executor if the person originally named cannot or does not wish to fulfill this duty, and no alternatives are named.
  
  
• 3). Submit a petition, along with the will, to probate court, requesting that you be appointed to administer the will. Probate court, also called surrogate court, specializes in the administration of estates.
  
  
• 4). Notify the deceased person's next of kin of your intentions to serve as executor, and you may be required to post a bond.
  
  
• 5). Ask an attorney for assistance, if necessary, in petitioning to become an executor. The attorney will be familiar with the probate laws in your state.
  
  
• 6). Request a hearing in probate court in which you must prove that the will is valid and that the deceased did not prepare a more recent will that would invalidate any previous wills. If these requirements are satisfied, the court will issue a court order appointing you as executor to administer the estate.
  
  
• 7). Get releases from the beneficiaries promising that their claims on the estate are satisfied. In addition, the executor may have to prepare an account of the estate's disposition for court.