Heir / beneficiary — receiving assets

Waiting for your share; may need to understand what's coming and when

Executor / personal representative

Responsible for settling the estate — significant legal duties

Both — heir and executor

Common in family situations; can create conflicts to navigate carefully

Trustee of a family trust

Managing assets on behalf of beneficiaries — fiduciary duties apply

Spouse or domestic partner

Typically receives full spousal exemption from estate and inheritance taxes

Child or stepchild

Grandchild

Sibling

Parent

Other family member

Friend or non-family beneficiary

Higher inheritance tax rates in states that have them