Being executor to a will can be a headache

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I promised @Asylum that I'd write about Vince's experience of being executor of a will. While I've heard about others' experiences this is the only case of which I have first-hand knowledge. Obviously every will is different and every country no doubt has very different 'rules' about dealing with a deceased person's estate. Vince was executor for one brother and his wife. The wife became ill with cancer. When someone is very ill, and even in their last days, it is difficult, as executor, to ask them to reveal any passwords you might need, even if you happened to think of it. The wife worked in a government department until she became too ill and kept all details of her financial status quite private, even from her husband. He didn't know how many bank accounts she had, which company looked after her superannuation, whether she had any monies owing, or store accounts. He suspected she might have quite substantial debts and was worried about covering them. She was buying her work car from her employer. All her accounts were in her own name and all became frozen upon her death. I can't remember all the ins and outs now but you can imagine that it took quite a while to sort out her affairs. Trying to access her online files was the first headache. No-one would give out any information until Vince had been clearly established as the executor. Even that required specific documents which took time to procure. Such security was reassuring in one way but made progress slow and painful. In the end, it all got done. Now to the husband – there are seven children in the family. His will states everything is to be split evenly between them. The easy way would be to sell everything and split the proceeds. But should the piano that has been in the family for four generations be sold when one son desperately wants it? Another two would each like the very substantial and potentially valuable stamp collection. One might swear her mother said she could have the pearl necklace given to the mother by the great grandmother. An executor worth his salt will want to accommodate the wishes of the children as much as he can. Vin's brother didn't really want to hear that he needed to deal with some of these issues before his death and as Vince will be in his 70s at least when the brother dies, he decided he wasn't up to the challenge. Another executor has been appointed. I don't think these are extreme cases really but it does highlight some of the issues that might occur. Of course for a single person or couple with no descendants finalising an estate may be quite a simple task. If it isn't simple and/or you need to hire a lawyer (and in some circumstances a lawyer MUST be engaged) it can be expensive, stressful and time-consuming. Sorry this is so long. Photo is of kangaroo paws growing in a Western Australian cemetery.