You Inherit More Than a To-Do List
When both of my in-laws passed away—on the same day, just four hours apart—our world stood still. But grief didn’t stop the paperwork.
I became the de facto executor detective. Was there a will? Where were the passwords? Who was supposed to handle the house? Every question led to five more, and every answer took hours to find.
No one tells you how hard this role can be—or how lonely it can feel.
That’s why I created SageVault. Because grieving families shouldn’t have to navigate legal and financial chaos alone. Especially not the executor.
The Executor’s Circle of Experts
Settling an estate is not a solo job. It’s a team effort—and the best executors know how to build the right team early.
This is your Circle of Experts: trusted professionals who help you move from confusion to clarity, and who can often be paid from the estate itself.
1. SageVault Advisor
Your project manager, guide, and accountability partner. We help you create a roadmap, coordinate communication, and avoid costly mistakes.
💡 Good to know: Our services can often be paid from the estate, not your personal funds.
2. Estate Attorney
Manages probate filings, legal requirements, and dispute resolution. They keep you compliant and reduce your personal liability.
3. Accountant or CPA
Final tax returns, estate tax obligations, and IRS notices—this is their domain. They help you avoid penalties and file correctly.
4. Financial Advisor
Helps manage inherited assets, retirement accounts, and investment distribution according to the will or trust.
5. Real Estate Agent
Handles the sale of property, coordinates showings, and helps navigate real estate-specific probate timelines.
6. Appraisers
Determine the fair market value of personal property, real estate, or collectibles—essential for probate and equitable distribution.
7. Insurance Agent
Closes or transitions policies, ensures vacant homes remain insured, and files life insurance claims on your behalf.
Why This Team Matters—Especially for Executors
Let’s be honest: executors are expected to do the impossible.
You’re suddenly managing people, property, passwords, probate, and paperwork. But:
You weren’t chosen to be a legal or tax expert. You were chosen because you’re trusted.
Someone named you executor because of your sound judgment, clear communication, and steady presence. Not because you know estate law or real estate contracts.
In fact, the most effective executors are the ones who don’t try to do it all themselves.
They delegate.
They hire experts.
They protect their own peace of mind—and the estate’s value.
The Cost of Going It Alone
- Executors spend 570+ hours managing an average estate
- DIY estates take 5+ months longer to settle
- The average cost to settle an unplanned estate exceeds $14,000
And that doesn’t even factor in the emotional cost.
Final Thought
When you’re the executor, time becomes your most valuable—and most limited—resource.
Building your Circle of Experts isn’t indulgent. It’s smart. It’s protective. And it often costs less than the consequences of going it alone.
At SageVault, we help you build your team, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your energy—so you can grieve, lead, and settle the estate with clarity and care.
Ready to build your team?
You don’t have to do this alone. You just need the right support.
