Choosing Executors for Your Will

Choosing the right executors is one of the most important decisions you'll make when writing your will. Learn more about what executors do. Get it wrong, and you could create problems for your loved ones at an already difficult time.

What makes a good executor?

Look for someone who is:

• Trustworthy: They'll have access to all your financial information
• Organised: There's a lot of paperwork and deadlines to manage
• Financially competent: They'll need to handle money, pay bills, potentially sell assets
• Emotionally resilient: It's hard dealing with a loved one's affairs while grieving
• Available: The work takes time, especially in the first few months
• Likely to outlive you: No point appointing someone older or in poor health

Common choices

• Spouse or partner: Often the natural choice, but consider their age and whether they'd cope alone
• Adult children: Good if they get on well with each other
• Other family members: Siblings, nieces, nephews
• Trusted friends: Can be ideal, especially if your family situation is complicated
• Professional executors: Solicitors or banks - reliable but expensive

How many executors?

You can appoint up to four executors. I generally recommend:

• Two executors is usually ideal - they can share the workload and check each other
• Three can work but may slow down decisions
• One is risky - what if they can't act?
• Always name substitute executors in case your first choices can't or won't act

Things to consider

• Will your executors get along? Conflict between executors can cause serious delays
• Are they beneficiaries too? This is fine and very common
• Do they live nearby? Dealing with an estate remotely is harder
• Have you actually asked them? Always check people are willing before naming them

Paying executors

Non-professional executors aren't usually paid, though they can claim reasonable expenses. Professional executors charge fees, which can be substantial. They'll also need to handle probate. If you appoint professionals, check their fee structure first.