So You’ve Been Named an Executor—Now What?
By Jason R. Roske
Owner, KC Auction & Appraisal Company
Over the years at KC Auction & Appraisal Company, I’ve worked with countless families who are managing estates—helping them sell inherited artwork, appraise collections, and navigate the world of estate auctions. I’m often guiding people who are handling a loved one’s estate for the very first time.
Recently, I was named executor for a longtime friend and colleague—someone many in the antiques and estate world knew and respected. His trust in me was a deep honor, and his passing has given me a new perspective on the work I’ve dedicated my career to.
Even with all my professional experience, I’ve learned firsthand that being an executor is a major undertaking. It’s emotional. It’s complicated. And, at times, it can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve decided to write this series of blog posts—not just as a professional who works with estates every day, but as someone currently walking the same path many of you may find yourselves on.
Most people will only be an executor once in their life. The role often comes during a time of grief, and there’s rarely a guidebook handed to you. This series is meant to change that.
What This Blog Series Will Cover
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing posts that I hope do two things:
- Document my personal journey as an executor—what’s worked, what’s surprised me, and what I wish I’d known sooner.
- Offer practical guidance for anyone navigating estate responsibilities for the first time.
We’ll cover essential topics like:
- What an executor is legally responsible for
- How to find and file the will
- Taking inventory of estate assets (including valuables, art, and collectibles)
- Managing debts, taxes, and distributions
- Dealing with probate and closing the estate
We’ll also touch on the emotional side: how to balance your duties while honoring your relationship with the deceased, and how to manage expectations from family members and beneficiaries.
This won’t be a technical manual—it’s a real-time look at what it means to be an executor, from someone with both personal and professional insight. If you’ve been named an executor or think you might be one day, I hope these posts will bring some clarity and confidence to a process that’s often anything but.
Thanks for reading. The next post in the series will be:
“The Waiting Game: Why it Takes so Long to Start as an Executor”
