Smiling middle-aged woman with curly hair and glasses outdoors.

About Me

I’m Michelle Otte, a certified Executor Advisor, experienced estate paralegal, and personal fiduciary certificate holder with a lifelong background in education and coaching. Executor Life Coach was born out of my own personal experience managing a complex family estate—an experience that exposed just how overwhelming and isolating the role of executor can be. With added training in grief-informed care and ongoing certification in grief counseling through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, I offer compassionate, practical support for people navigating one of life’s most difficult responsibilities.

I bring deep familial and professional roots in both the northwest suburbs of Chicago and the Denver Metro area, where I offer in-person coaching sessions as well as virtual meetings where ever the need might exsist. In addition to supporting active executors, I also work with individuals preparing for the role through proactive planning sessions. Whether you’re facing paperwork, family dynamics, or just don’t know where to begin, I help you move through loss, legacy, and logistics with clarity, calm, and confidence

Degrees and Certifications

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Certificate titled 'Grief Educator Certification' with a sunburst design.

Grief Educator Certifications

Personal Fiduciary Standards International

Certified Educator Advisor

James Madison University - Paralegal Certificate

Denver University - Principals' License, School Leadership

Northern Illinois University - M.S. Instructional Specialist

University of Illinois at Chicago -
B.A. History

What people say about Michelle

Marlene

She is like an angel with all I had going on. So calm and she really helped me get things done that I needed to do.

Penni

I know people who can use your service.

Garrett

She is organized, get's things done all without forgetting how important each indivual is in any process.

Credentials and Experience

Our work is deeply rooted in three aspects of the work executors experience.

Hand changing word assistance to guidance.

Loss

Emotional readiness. Navigating grief while making decisions. Strategies for pacing yourself and setting boundaries. You don’t need therapy to feel supported—you need a thinking partner who gets what you’re carrying.

A woman in glasses climbs white stairs holding a notebook.

Legacy

Honoring your loved one’s values, organizing belongings, drafting communications, or preparing for a memorial. I help you think through the choices and family dynamics with sensitivity and calm.

Two women smiling while looking at a tablet together indoors.

Logistics

Executor checklists, timelines, task management, and estate documentation support. Whether you’re overwhelmed by legal forms or unsure how to communicate with other heirs, I’ll help you break it down.

What Sets Us Apart

In-Person Coaching

Personalized support, whether you're navigating executor duties or planning your estate.

Experience

Get clear steps for legal tasks, plus vital emotional support and organization.

Female-Owned Company

Coaching available virtually nationwide or in person in Denver and Chicago suburbs.

Find Your Way Forward

If you're seeking specialized estate coaching to navigate the complexities ahead or simply need a compassionate guide through the executor process, we're here for you. Reach out today to discuss how Executor Life Coach can provide the clarity and support you need.