The Most Important Person In Your Estate Plan (That No One Talks About)

When most people think about estate planning, they focus on what’s in the Will: who gets the house, the jewelry, the investment accounts. But the smooth execution of those wishes hinges almost entirely on one role: the executor.

And yet, the person often given this responsibility—usually a family member—is the least prepared, least informed, and most overwhelmed.

The Forgotten CEO of Your Estate

Think of your executor as the CEO of your estate. They’re tasked with:

• Locating and filing the Will
• Settling debts and final taxes
• Identifying, securing, and distributing all assets
• Communicating with heirs (sometimes with different expectations)
• Working with lawyers, accountants, and the courts

This isn’t a ceremonial role. It’s a job. And it often comes at one of the most emotionally raw moments in a family’s life.

A Familiar Story

After Raj passed away, his daughter Priya was named executor. He’d never told her directly—she only found out through the Will.

She was grieving, raising three kids, working full-time—and now expected to decipher her dad’s finances, gather dozens of documents, calm her uncles, and figure out what he meant by “my coin collection should go to the person who most admired it.”

There was no inventory. No notes. No Letter of Wishes. No hint at what “admired” meant.

Just a family at odds, trying to interpret a sentence that likely came from love—but sowed seeds of tension. A few of these stories is what enlightened Trusty's founder to our company's vision.

“Lack of clarity creates conflict.”
— Randy Frisch, Founder of Trusty

When Families Are Left to Interpret Intentions

When instructions aren’t clear, families fill the gaps with assumptions—and those assumptions quickly turn emotional:

• “Dad always promised me that watch.”
• “She said the cottage was going to be shared.”
• “Why did he name her as executor?”

These moments, however small, can tear families apart. According to a TD Wealth survey, 1 in 4 Canadians report poor planning and communication being the number one cause of family conflict.

In the U.S., LegalShield found that 58% of Americans experienced conflict, or know someone who has, due to the absence of an estate plan or will.

You Don’t Have to Choose a Family Member

While many people instinctively name a child or sibling as executor, it’s important to know that you have another option: appointing a professional executor.

These are individuals or institutions who specialize in handling estate administration—bringing legal, tax, and emotional neutrality to the process.

In Canada, examples include:

• 🏛️ RBC Royal Trust
• 🧾 ClearEstate

In the U.S., similar services are offered by:

• 🏢 Fiduciary Trust International
• 💼 Everplans (partnering with professional fiduciaries in select states)

These services often charge a percentage of the estate’s value (typically 2–5%), or a flat fee depending on complexity. While it may seem expensive, for some families it’s worth the investment to avoid emotional strain, legal missteps, or family conflict.

So… Which Is Better?

There’s no right answer. Some families value the personal connection a loved one brings. Others prefer a neutral third party to ensure no one feels unfairly treated—or overwhelmed.

What matters most is that your executor:

• Understands the responsibilities of the role
• Is equipped with the tools and context to do the job well
• Has access to your true intentions, not just your legal instructions

Trusty: Giving Your Executor a Clearer Path

Trusty was created to support whoever you choose—friend, family, or professional—with clarity and care.

With Trusty, you can:

• Track and catalog key assets with context
• Leave heartfelt video wishes for specific people and items
• Store and locate important documents
• Assign an executor and give them controlled access
• Share relevant data with advisors or institutions helping settle your estate

“One of the reasons I started Trusty,” says founder Randy Frisch, “was to create harmony. I wanted to make it easier for the executor—the person we all turn to—to actually deliver the clarity and peace we intended.”

Clarity Is a Gift. So Is Preparation.

Who you choose as executor may vary based on your family, your wealth, or your personal preferences. But regardless of who takes on the role, the most important thing you can do is equip them—with your documents, your voice, and your true wishes.

Because clarity doesn’t just make things easier. It prevents conflict.