Q: If I leave a contingent bequest in my will/trust, does the beneficiary then become the executor?
I am having my will re-drawn. I am naming my only son as beneficiary/executor of my entire estate. I would like to include a contingent bequest of my entire estate to a local animal rescue in the event we both die at the same time (I know, it's actuarially unlikely but I want to cover all bases). The animal rescue has a wonderful program that will take in my three cats in this event and I'd like to earmark part of their bequest for the cost of that program as well.
If I name the animal rescue as the contingent benefactor, is it implicit that they also become executor of the will or would it be more prudent to use specific language in the will stipulating that they are now the executor?
A: It sure wouldn't be a bad idea. And notify them of your new will, otherwise if your son doesn't survive you, the animal rescue organization might otherwise never know about it.
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