How to Be an Executor - Complete 5-Phase Timeline

Educational video summarizing complete executor responsibilities across five chronological phases with specific timeframes and critical actions at each stage: Phase 1 Immediate Actions (first 72 hours securing will, obtaining death certificates, protecting property), Phase 2 Opening Probate (weeks 1-4 filing petition and obtaining Letters Testamentary), Phase 3 Estate Administration (months 1-6 inventorying assets, notifying creditors, filing tax returns), Phase 4 Creditor Claims and Distributions (months 6-12 evaluating claims, preparing accounting, distributing with beneficiary releases), Phase 5 Closing Estate (months 12-18 filing final accounting and obtaining discharge). Video emphasizes proper sequence preventing personal liability from premature distributions or missed deadlines and includes decision framework for when professional legal guidance becomes necessary.