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Abatement, Ademption, Assets, Beneficiaries, Common Estates, decedent, Distributing Property, Embedded Mistakes, estate, Estate Administration, Estate Attorney, Estate Documents, Estate Plan, Estate Planning, Executor, Financial Arrangements, Future Executor, Lawyer, Legal Arrangements, Opt-Out, Real Estate Agent, Tax Professional, Taxes, testator, Unintended Consequences, Will
Essentially, a future executor should prepare for an estate administration while the testator is still alive. By reviewing the estate plan with the testator, the future executor will understand the wishes of the testator. Additionally, depending on the level of knowledge the future executor possesses on estate planning, correcting embedded mistakes in the estate plan is possible. Regardless, at the very minimum, knowing the basic details of the estate plan and the wishes of the testator may be enough. If the future executor has a higher understanding of estate planning, then perhaps an extensive review is possible. Either way, preparing for an estate administration with the testator is an important step towards a smooth estate administration.
The accounting process of an estate is an integral part of the probate process. Although estate law is different in many states, all states allow beneficiaries access to a final accounting. Therefore, an executor of an estate must produce a final accounting to close the estate.
The doctrine of ademption applies to specific bequests no longer owned by the testator at death. In general, when bequeathed property is no longer part of the estate at death, the bequest fails. As a result, the intended beneficiary receives nothing and doesn’t retain any rights to the property. 
