Necessary Conversations with Your Loved Ones
While both executors and Power of Attorney agents act on your behalf, they serve completely different purposes at different times in your life. Understanding these roles helps ensure your affairs are properly managed both during your lifetime and after your death. What is an Executor? An executor is the person you name in your will to handle your estate after you die. Think of them as your personal representative who steps in once you're gone to: Locate and secure your assets (bank accounts, property, investments) Pay outstanding debts, taxes, and final expenses Distribute your assets according to your will's instructions File necessary court documents and manage the probate process Close accounts, cancel services, and handle final administrative tasks The executor only gains authority after your death and must often be approved by the probate court before they can act. Power of Attorney: Active During Your Lifetime In contrast, your Power of Attorney agents work for you while you're alive but unable to handle matters yourself due to illness, injury, or incapacitation. As discussed previously: General POA manages financial and legal affairs Medical POA makes healthcare decisions Crucially, all Power of Attorney authority automatically ends when you die—your POA agents have no legal standing to handle your affairs after death.
When a veteran passes away, their executor faces unique responsibilities beyond typical estate duties. Military service creates special benefits and entitlements that require specific documentation to claim. Without these documents readily available, families may lose thousands in benefits or face lengthy delays during an already difficult time.
