When a loved one dies, a common question is along these lines: “My mother just died, and I’m the Executor. I’m flying to North Carolina with my wife and children, and my sister and her family are coming too. Can I pay for all the travel, lodging, food, and similar expenses from the Estate or from my mother’s checking account? That’s what she would have wanted.”
While this might sound like a reasonable request, as Executor, you must proceed with caution. As Executor or Personal Representative, you are personally liable for the proper management and spending of the estate assets—meaning that if you make a mistake, it comes out of your own pocket to fix it.
An Executor or Trustee can be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred to properly administer the Estate, including cleaning up the Decedent’s home. This also includes costs associated with final arrangements such as burial or cremation, as well as a funeral or reception. However, unless the Will or Trust has a specific clause indicating otherwise, paying for other family members’ travel expenses from the Estate is generally not permitted.
