10

Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 15, 2026 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller How to Prepare to Be an Executor of an Estate Dear Savvy Senior, My uncle recently asked me to be the executor of his will when he dies. I feel honored that he asked me, but I’ve never done this before and I’m not exactly sure what the job entails. What can you tell me about it? --Helpful Nephew Dear Helpful, Being named executor is indeed an honor. It shows your uncle trusts you. But it can also be a significant responsibility, especially if his estate or family situation is complicated. Here’s a look at what the role involves so you can decide if it’s something you’re comfortable taking on. Executor Duties As executor, you’ll be responsible for settling your uncle’s affairs after his death. Depending on the estate, your duties may include: • Filing paperwork with the probate court to validate the will and officially open the estate. • Locating and taking inventory of all assets. • Paying outstanding bills, funeral expenses, and any taxes owed using estate funds. • Notifying banks, government agencies (including Social Security), credit card companies, and the post office of his death. • Preparing and filing his final income tax return. • Distributing remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will. Keep in mind that executor responsibilities and deadlines vary by state. Most state bar association websites offer probate guides or checklists that outline the rules where you live. Get Organized If you agree to serve, one of the best things you can do now is help your uncle get organized. Make sure his will is up to date and find out where important documents are stored – such as deeds, financial account statements, insurance policies, passwords, and contact information for advisors. Having quick access to these items will save you time and stress later. If the estate is complex, you don’t have to handle everything alone. An estate attorney or tax professional can guide you through the process, and their fees are typically paid by the estate. To find qualified help, you can search directories at the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (naepc.org) and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org). Prevent Family Conflicts One of the biggest challenges executors face is family tension. Ask your uncle to clearly communicate his wishes to beneficiaries ahead of time, including who will receive personal belongings and family heirlooms. Wills often leave these decisions to the executor, which can create unnecessary friction. If he hasn’t already, suggest he create a written list outlining how personal property should be distributed. Clarity now can prevent conflict later. Executor Fees Executors are generally entitled to compensation, which is paid by the estate. In many states, fees are based on a percentage of the estate’s value, often ranging from 1 to 5 percent, depending on size and complexity. However, if you’re also a beneficiary, you may choose to waive the fee. Executor compensation is taxable income, while inheritances typically are not subject to income tax. If you’d like a step-by-step resource to guide you through the process, “The Executor’s Guide: Settling a Loved One’s Estate or Trust,” from Nolo, is a helpful reference and costs about $32 at nolo.com. Serving as executor can be time-consuming, but with good organization and clear communication, it’s a manageable responsibility, and a meaningful way to honor your uncle’s trust. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Daniel Francis Hanlon Of Malden, previously of Saugus. Died unexpectantly on May 9, 2026, after a brief illness, having been surrounded by his loving family and friends at the age of 68. He was the husband of Linda (Hart) Hanlon with whom he spent 40 years of marriage, and loving father of Scott Bentley, Matthew and Jessica Hanlon of Malden. He is survived by his siblings, sisters Pat and her husband John Cuneo of Merrimack, NH, Kathy Hanlon and her partner Mary of South Berwick, ME, Anne and her husband Joseph Dominick of Saugus, and Lisa Kelly of Keene, NH, and brothers Michael Hanlon, and his wife Donna of Seabrook, NH and Kevin Hanlon and his wife Linda of Concord, NH, brotherin-law Bill Hart and his wife Michele of Saugus, and Richard and his wife Bonnie of Lynn. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Claire (Gallant) Hanlon of Saugus, his brother James Hanlon of Wakefield, and sister Kerry Hanlon of Lawrence. OBITUARIES Dan was a graduate of Saugus High School Class of 1975 and had been employed since the age of 15 as a Glazier, with over 30 years at All City Glass in Saugus, and for the past 6 years at Accurate Glass Co. in Woburn. His life was a testament to love for family and friends. For those who wish, Donations in his memory, may be made to a charity, or cause, of your choice. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, June 6th at the Saugus VFW, 190C Main St, Saugus, MA 01906 at 2 p.m. Ida (Puff) Stockton Of Malden, since 1967, formally of Cambridge. Died peacefully at her home early on Wednesday, May 6th at the age of 92. She was the wife of the late Albert B. Stockton for 47 years. Born and raised in Bayreuth, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Anna Puff. She is survived by her two children Angelika A. MacClellan and her late husband William of Malden and Ronald C. Stockton and his late wife Teri of Winthrop; two grandchildren, Christopher MacClellan and his wife Karen of Saugus, and AJ Stockton; 5 great grandchildren, Crystal, Samantha, Rebecca, Angelika, and Brandon, and 10 great great grandchildren. She was the sister of Maria Seigler of Germany and was predeceased by 3 brothers, Richard, Heiner, and Hans and 4 sisters, Lotte, Anneliese, Friedel, and Gretel. Ida was a member of Local 775 of Boston and spent many happy years dressing the casts of Boston’s theater productions. She enjoyed gardening, sitting on her porch and welcoming all her neighbors both two legged and four legged, and keeping her beautiful home spic and span. Relatives and friends were invited to attend a funeral service in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus, on Monday, May 11. Entombment followed at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ida’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association @ alz.manh.org or 320 Nevada Street #201, Newton, MA 02460. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF MALDEN INVITATION TO BID Gennetti Park Improvements Notice to Bidders The City of Malden invites the submission of sealed bids for Construction of Gennetti Park Improvements. The proposed Improvements include repairing and painting existing play equipment, adding new play equipment, repairing chain link fence and adding new fence and a gate, replacing benches, installing new curbing and edging around the playground, and installing resilient rubber playground surfacing in two colors. It also includes white line painting at the basketball court and new hopscotch and four-square painted play. BID OPENING will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development (OSPCD), City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Malden, MA 02148. A Bid Summary will be made available to all Bidders, and other interested parties, within twenty-four (24) hours of the Bid Opening. Plans, specifications and all bid documents may be obtained electronically from The City of Malden beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:00am. Requests for electronic files may be made to Jane Ventrone, City of Malden, at jventrone@cityofmalden.org or (781) 324-5720 x5728. A nonmandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on May 21, 2026 at 1:00pm onsite at the existing playground in Pearl Street Park (Devir Playground on google maps), located at 266 Pearl Street in Malden. All sealed bids must be hardcopy and delivered to the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development (OSPCD) prior to the BID OPENING, as stated above. Bids shall be delivered to OSPCD at Malden City Hall during these hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm, and Tuesday between 8am - 7pm. The office is closed on Fridays. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay due to mail or other delivery. Bids received after the official BID OPENING will be returned unopened. The City of Malden reserves the right to waive any informalities in Bids, to reject any or all Bids, or to accept any Bid that in their judgment will be in the best interest of the City. May 15, 2026 LEGAL NOTICE

11 Publizr Home