The funeral home will also provide the executor with copies of the death certificate, which will be needed for several purposes, including closing financial accounts, canceling any federal benefit payments and filing the final tax return.

FORBES: Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of an Executor

In the event that a caregiver cannot be found, the executor of a will can be authorized to find a satisfactory new home for a pet.

FORBES: Estate Plans Should Include Provisions for Pets

But when her father died in 1988, leaving her a comfortable inheritance and naming her the sole executor of his will, Schupf began to evolve into a different woman.

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Given the questions surrounding the validity of the letter, and the fact that a spouse normally has first priority to be named as executor in the absence of a valid will, it may take some time until a person is put in charge of her estate through probate court.

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That is why the U.S. General Services Administration recommends people set up a "social-media will, " review the privacy policies and terms and conditions of each website and stipulate in their traditional will that the "online executor" get a copy of the death certificate.

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If the estate's executor misses that crucial filing, the couple will likely lose the value of one partner's estate-tax exemption.

WSJ: Tax Report: Avoiding Estate-Tax Traps

An executor typically offers the will for probate, takes action to protect the assets of the estate, makes distributions of property to beneficiaries and pays the debts and taxes of the estate.

FORBES: Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of an Executor