Choosing the Right Executor or Trustee: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Episode Summary:

In this critical episode, Tom Begley stresses the overlooked importance of selecting qualified fiduciaries, highlighting rising abuse cases in probate courts. The discussion contrasts short-term executor duties with long-term trustee roles, key qualifications like integrity and common sense, and strategies for backups, co-fiduciaries, and easy updates.

Key Timestamps: 

00:01 - Show Introduction 

00:30 - Fiduciary Abuse > Will Contests 

01:30 - Executor (Short) vs. Trustee (Long) 

02:30 - 4 Don’ts: Age, Gender, Proximity, Feelings 

03:30 - 2 Musts: Integrity + Common Sense 

04:30 - “Rationalization” Theft & Sibling Delays 

05:30 - Proximity = Tiebreaker Only 

06:30 - Co-Executors: Yes for 2 Kids Post-Death 

07:30 - No Co-Agents Lifetime (2 QBs = 0) 

08:30 - Always Name 1–2 Alternates 

09:30 - Update: Codicil Pricing 

10:30 - 25% Intake Reversals After Vetting 

11:30 - Closing & Call to Action 

About the Show: 

"The Estate Blueprint" delivers clear, actionable guidance on estate planning, Medicaid, special needs trusts, and probate for New Jersey families. Tom Begley combines 35+ years of elder law expertise to protect homes, assets, and peace of mind with plans that work in the real world.