Executor of wills in Zurich & Winterthur

Executor of wills: More certainty for the inheritance

What does an executor do?

An executor is a person of trust of the testator

The aim of the execution of wills is the peaceful & efficient allocation of inheritance. Until this is achieved, the inheritance must be administered by the executor. This also includes paying off debts and settling legacies.

Administer an inheritance

Management of assets and accounting for income from assets

Pay off debts

Settle costs related to the testator and the inheritance

Allocate legacies

Make allocations on the basis of the testator’s decree

Prepare Inheritance distribution

Preparation and proposal of a possible distribution of the inheritance

1. Preparation

During his lifetime, the testator plans the inheritance together with the future executor. This includes a detailed consultation and the preparation of a will as well as the involvement of relatives if necessary.

2. Appointment

Upon the death of the testator, the last will and testamentary disposition is opened by the authority. Subsequently, the mandate as executor of the will can be formally accepted.

3. Administration

The administration of the inheritance is one of the main tasks of the executor. This includes, among other things, the preparation of the testator’s last tax return until death and the tax inventory as well as the administration and, if necessary, liquidation of individual assets to pay off debts.

4. Allocation of inheritance

Once certain formal processes have been completed, debts repaid and legacies made, a proposal for the distribution of the inheritance can be drawn up and presented to the community of heirs. The mandate of the executor of the will ends with the completion of the distribution of the inheritance.

How does an execution of will work?

Execution of will in 4 steps

The mandate of an executor can be roughly divided into 4 stages.

These include the preparations, the appointment of the executor, the administration of the inheritance and the allocation of the inheritance.

Meet your executor of will

Marius Schindler studied business studies and law at the University of Zurich.

He is a trained mediator for business & employment mediation, succession & inheritance arrangements, family businesses and separations & divorces.

Marius Schindler is specialized in highly controversial multi-party conflicts and has completed various systemic training courses.

Marius Schindler

Executor of will Expertiva AG

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a will of execution cost?

Execution of a will is charged on an hourly basis according to the time spent. At Expertiva, this is CHF 280.00 per hour plus VAT. We cannot offer a commission-based settlement or a flat-rate fee and this is also not legally acceptable.

How long does the execution of a will take?

An execution of wills takes varying lengths of time and depends on the complexity. In simple cases, a guideline of four – twelve months is considered a good experience value. In more complex and difficult cases it can take up to three years.

How can I appoint an executor?

An executor is appointed by a testamentary disposition of the testator. Usually this is a will which is kept in a safe place or deposited with an official body.

Can I appoint only one natural person?

No. You can appoint both natural persons and legal entities. But the appointment is personal. With a natural person, however, there is a risk of default.

What happens if the heirs argue and do not agree?

An executor should ensure a peaceful & efficient settlement of the inheritance. In case of conflict, we mediate between the parties and always look for a solution that takes the interests of all parties into account.

Can the heirs dismiss the executor?

No. An executor is appointed by the testator and cannot be replaced or removed by the heirs. However, the heirs are free to deviate from the proposed distribution of the inheritance unanimously.