Executors & Probate<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Naming your Executors is one of the most important elements of your Will. This person (also called your personal representative or trustee) has the responsibility to carry out the instructions in your Will. They must secure your assets, and then distribute them according to your wishes. In the United States, almost all Wills go through the probate process unless everything is held jointly and being passed to the surviving owner. Probate is the process by which the courts grant the authority to your Executor to act as estate administrator. This document can be used to go to banks and other financial institutions to gather your assets (they cannot accept just a Will). Having the Will notarized does not change this process. 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