Another common issue is the Will not specifying the executor.

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/portfolio/personal-finance/the-hows-and-whys-of-probate-process-for-a-will/article67100718.ece

Because of the insufficient records, it took the executor several months — and unnecessary expense — before she was able to identify all the assets and take the necessary steps required to liquidate those assets when required.

Source: https://rapidcityjournal.com/ap/lifestyles/the-savings-game-a-guide-to-true-success-in-retirement/article_f39aa471-10e1-5c4c-be49-d883a9d18eb6.html

By documenting your wishes and assigning an executor, you can save your family a lot of work when you pass.

Source: https://www.moneysense.ca/save/debt/loans/what-happens-to-your-debt-when-you-die/

For people who are single or without children, the decision of whom to appoint as executor can be more difficult.

Source: https://www.moneysense.ca/columns/ask-moneysense/who-to-name-as-executor-when-family-members-arent-an-option/

Fortunately, an executor can request funds from a bank to pay expenses like probate fees before obtaining probate.

Source: https://www.moneysense.ca/columns/ask-a-planner/executor-borrow-money-probate-costs/

However, Judge Marie Quirke noted that in the six months since she made the order, they had not sought a reference from the executor, who was expecting them to make contact.

Source: https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/couple-who-feared-sleeping-in-their-car-get-an-extra-two-months-to-quit-rented-home-1526770.html

In a state like Massachusetts with a low estate tax exemption (recently increased to $2M in 2023), the executor may need to sell the house to pay the tax if the heir(s) don't have liquidity from other sources.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinmckenna/2023/10/20/deciding-what-to-do-when-you-inherit-a-house/

Selecting your executor in advance allows you to select the best person for the task.

Source: https://chathamvoice.com/2023/10/28/column-why-have-a-will/

The father-of-three then allegedly tried to sell his father's home for $140,000 more than it was worth after he was wrongly named executor of the will.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11616223/Husband-missing-mom-three-broke-fathers-house-DESTROY-died.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

The UBCO professor of engineering is named as an executor and trustee in Nicu’s will, but Taheri says he wasn’t able to access the funds for his friend’s dying wish until 2019, shortly before the pandemic began thwarting international travel.

Source: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-man-travels-to-eastern-europe-to-honour-life-and-legacy-of-father-of-ogopogo-1.6244706

You may find your late relative's estate is losing out on interest pending a grant of probate, the important legal step that allows an executor to take direct financial control.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/pensions/article-12349279/How-survive-executor-retired-judge-Stephen-Gold.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490