Tracking Tasks

EstateExec provides high-level guidance for the overall executor process via the Tasks tab. The Task checklist initially contains a list of tasks applicable for the vast majority of estates, including those that require probate, and gains specialized additions as more information about the estate becomes available.

The Task checklist is useful, but it is not intended to be an exhaustive list, and you should keep in mind that the majority of EstateExec's long-term utility also lies in its ability to track and manage assets, debts, and cash, and to optionally share that information with heirs. Separate from tracking tasks, you may also want to track your time spent, especially for states which generally tie executor compensation to time spent.

Automated Customization

EstateExec automatically adds or removes tasks based upon particulars of the estate, such as state location, year of death, etc. (you can see a generic executor checklist here).

EstateExec also marks certain tasks inapplicable depending on estate gross value (and other factors). When setting up a new estate, you are asked to provide a rough estimate for the estate gross value, so that EstateExec can determine the likely applicability of these tasks. You can change this estimate at any time (see Track Task: Estate Value), and you can also tell EstateExec to instead use the actual values of the assets listed on the Assets tab, although this wouldn't really make sense in the early stages of the estate settlement process, when you are still trying to find all the assets and determine their values.

Finally, note that EstateExec automatically marks certain tasks complete as you accomplish them in other parts of the program.

Task Discounts

Some EstateExec tasks include links to third-party service providers who can help you complete the task, often with a special EstateExec discount (for example, see Task: Dispose of unwanted assets). EstateExec does not recommend or receive compensation from these discount providers; we make these offers available simply as a service to our customers. See also Discounts.

Custom Personal Tasks

You can add your own personal tasks to the Task checklist as well. Simply click the "Create Task" button at the top of the table to define a new task (see Track Task: Custom Tasks). To later change details about a custom personal task, just click on the task itself to bring up the associated edit dialog.

You may want to keep in mind that it can be overwhelming to try to structure every little "to-do", and that there is no legal requirement to track custom tasks. That being said, in some cases it can be helpful to have a record of your activities and time spent, which you can track via the Time Log.

Tasks Table

Here are a few helpful things to know about the Tasks table (see also Track Task Reference):

Task: Click the name of the task to get more information about it.
Done: Click the Done column to mark a task completed (note that tasks marked auto-tracked are automatically updated, and cannot be manually changed). By default, EstateExec shows completion status as a simple checkmark, but you can also configure EstateExec to track completion dates (see Track Task Reference).
N/A (Not Applicable): In some cases, a given task may not be applicable to a particular estate, and you can remove it from consideration by selecting the task (click the checkmark in the first column) and pressing the "Mark N/A" button. For example, if the decedent didn't have any life insurance policies, the task about notifying relevant life insurance companies would not be applicable.
Due: Due dates are automatically calculated by EstateExec, and represent the latest date by which you should generally complete a given task. If you mark a task Done or Not Applicable, there will be no longer be a due date shown.

Using The Tasks Table

You can do some very helpful things with EstateExec tables. For example,

Some columns are not shown by default (e.g., Custom, N/A). You can include those columns in the table via the table menu in the top right.
To see just the remaining tasks, enter an 'N' in the Done column filter and an 'N' in the N/A column filter.
To sort by Due date, click the title of the Due column. By default, the tasks are arranged in a logical sequence, but it will be quite common to find yourself working iteratively on some of the tasks.
To see just the tax tasks, enter "tax" in the Category filter.