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What Is an Executor and How to Choose One

· 29 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Emma chose her older brother as executor without a second thought—he was the obvious choice as the eldest sibling. When she died unexpectedly at 42, he discovered the reality: chasing banks for account details, dealing with HMRC about £18,000 in inheritance tax, managing property valuations while working full-time, all while grieving his sister.

After 14 months of stress and several costly mistakes, he finally distributed her £340,000 estate. "I love my sister and wanted to help," he later said, "but I wish she'd understood what she was asking me to do."

Half of UK adults don't have a will, partly because decisions like executor selection feel overwhelming. Yet choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions you'll make when creating your will.

This guide explains exactly what an executor is, what they do, who can (and should) be one, and how to choose the right person for your circumstances.

Table of Contents

What Is an Executor?

An executor is the person you name in your will to carry out your wishes and administer your estate after you die. They're legally responsible for everything you own—your money, property, and possessions—from the date of your death until distribution is complete.

The term "executor" applies regardless of gender. While "executrix" exists as a Latin feminine form, it's rarely used in modern legal practice.

Executors derive their authority from the will itself, confirmed by a Grant of Probate from the court. This is different from an "administrator," who's appointed by the court when someone dies without a will under intestacy rules.

This isn't an honorary title. Being named an executor is a genuine legal and practical responsibility that requires significant time, effort, and careful attention to legal requirements. Your executor essentially "becomes you" for legal purposes after your death, with the authority to access your accounts, sell your property, and distribute your assets.

If someone named as executor doesn't want to serve, they can formally refuse the role using Form PA15 (deed of renunciation) before they begin any work. Once they've started acting as executor, they can't easily step down.

What Does an Executor Actually Do?

The average estate takes 9-12 months to administer, requiring approximately 80-120 hours of work. Here's what your executor will handle:

Immediate Actions (First Weeks): Your executor's responsibilities begin immediately after death:

  • Locate the will (often not as straightforward as it sounds)
  • Register the death and obtain multiple death certificates
  • Secure property and assets (arrange insurance, change locks if needed, secure valuables)
  • Arrange the funeral (typically before the will is formally read)

Legal and Financial Work (Months 1-6): The most intensive period involves:

  • Value the entire estate (property, bank accounts, investments, possessions, vehicles)
  • Apply for Grant of Probate (gives legal authority to act)
  • Identify and notify all beneficiaries named in the will
  • Calculate and pay inheritance tax (must be paid within 6 months of death or HMRC charges interest)
  • Settle all outstanding debts, bills, and taxes
  • Close or manage financial accounts
  • Deal with HMRC, banks, solicitors, and other institutions

Distribution Phase (Months 6-12+): The final stage involves:

  • Sell or transfer property if the will requires it
  • Distribute specific gifts (jewellery, vehicles, personal items)
  • Distribute cash and assets according to will instructions
  • Prepare detailed estate accounts for beneficiaries
  • Obtain signed receipts from beneficiaries

For a typical £340,000 estate including a house, two bank accounts, a car, and personal possessions distributed among three beneficiaries, an executor will spend approximately 80-120 hours over 10-14 months completing all necessary tasks.

The average probate processing time was 9 weeks as of August 2024, down from 15.5 weeks the previous year. Online applications can be processed in as little as two weeks, while paper applications take around 15 weeks. But getting the Grant of Probate is just one step—the entire administration process typically takes 9-12 months.

Executors are trustees of the estate and must act in the best interests of beneficiaries. This is called a "fiduciary duty" under the Administration of Estates Act 1925 and Trustee Act 2000.

Here's what this means in practice:

Executors cannot:

  • Change the will (even if changes seem "reasonable" or "fair")
  • Benefit personally beyond what the will specifies (unless all beneficiaries agree in writing)
  • Charge fees (unless the will explicitly allows or they're a professional executor)
  • Delegate their duties entirely (can hire help but remain responsible)
  • Ignore beneficiary requests for information

Executors must:

  • Follow the will's instructions exactly
  • Act impartially between beneficiaries
  • Keep detailed records of all transactions
  • Act with reasonable care and skill
  • Seek professional advice when needed

The serious part: personal liability. If an executor makes a mistake, they can be held personally financially responsible, even if the error was genuine. This liability extends for up to 12 years after the death.

Common scenarios that create personal liability:

  • Distributing the estate before paying HMRC (executor liable for unpaid tax)
  • Miscalculating inheritance tax (executor pays penalties and interest)
  • Losing or mismanaging estate assets
  • Distributing to wrong beneficiaries
  • Missing creditors or outstanding debts

An executor can protect themselves by keeping meticulous records, seeking professional advice for complex decisions, and obtaining clearance from HMRC before making final distributions.

What executors CAN do:

  • Claim reasonable expenses (postage, travel, document fees) paid from the estate
  • Hire professionals like solicitors, accountants, or valuers (paid from estate)
  • Take reasonable time to complete the work properly
  • Request professional help when the estate is complex

The law recognizes that estate administration is demanding work. Executors who act carefully, keep good records, and seek professional guidance when needed are well-protected.

Who Can Be an Executor?

The legal requirements to be an executor are straightforward, according to GOV.UK guidance:

Legal eligibility:

  • Must be 18 or older
  • Must have mental capacity
  • Must not be bankrupt (technically eligible but practically problematic)
  • Can be a beneficiary (very common and perfectly legal)
  • Can be a UK resident or overseas (though overseas adds significant complications)

Common executor choices: Most people choose:

  • Spouse or civil partner (the most common first choice)
  • Adult children
  • Siblings or other close relatives
  • Trusted friends
  • Professional executors (solicitors, banks, specialist firms)
  • A combination of family and professional

How many executors?

  • Minimum: 1 executor required
  • Maximum: 4 can apply for probate simultaneously (though you can name more in your will)
  • Recommended: 2-3 executors
  • Best practice: An odd number (3) prevents deadlock on decisions
  • Wise planning: Name substitute executors in case your first choices cannot act

Common myths about executors:

  • MYTH:"Executors must be family members" → ** FALSE:** Can be anyone you trust
  • MYTH:"I can't name a beneficiary as executor" → ** FALSE:** Very common and perfectly legal
  • MYTH:"Executors automatically get paid" → ** PARTIALLY TRUE:** Lay executors claim expenses only; professionals charge fees if the will allows
  • MYTH:"Executor appointments last forever" → ** FALSE:** Executors can renounce before they've started work

The key is choosing someone who has the capability and willingness to serve, not just the family relationship.

How to Choose the Right Executor

Choose based on capability, not obligation. Here are the essential qualities to consider:

1. Trustworthiness (Non-Negotiable) Will they follow your wishes exactly? Do they have integrity to act impartially? Can they handle financial responsibility without temptation?

2. Organizational Capability Are they comfortable with paperwork and administration? Can they track multiple deadlines and requirements? Are they able to keep detailed records? Do they have basic technology literacy for online probate applications?

3. Financial Literacy Do they understand basic finances? Are they capable of managing accounts and valuations? Would they be comfortable dealing with HMRC, banks, and solicitors?

They can hire accountants, but basic understanding helps immensely.

4. Availability and Time Can they dedicate 80-120+ hours over 12 months? Are they available during weekday business hours when banks and solicitors operate? Will their own circumstances allow them to take this on?

5. Emotional Resilience Can they handle this responsibility while grieving? Are they able to deal with potential family disputes calmly? Are they strong enough to make difficult decisions?

6. Age and Health Are they likely to outlive you? Are they in good enough health to handle the demands? Are they old enough to have the life experience for complex decisions, but young enough to serve when needed?

Executors under 30 may struggle with complex estates, while executors close to your own age may not be able to serve when the time comes.

7. Location Proximity helps significantly. Property visits, document signing, and face-to-face meetings are often necessary. Overseas executors face complications with time zones, travel costs, and legal jurisdiction. Always include a UK-based executor or co-executor if naming someone abroad.

8. Relationship to Beneficiaries Can they remain impartial? Will beneficiaries trust them? Could their appointment create family tension?

Decision Framework: Score your potential executor on each criterion (1-5):

  • Trustworthiness: __
  • Organizational skills: __
  • Financial literacy: __
  • Availability: __
  • Emotional resilience: __
  • Age/health appropriate: __
  • Location practical: __
  • Beneficiary relationships: __

Total score under 25:

Reconsider this choice

Score 25-32:

Acceptable with professional support

Score 33+:

Strong executor candidate

This framework removes emotion and obligation from the decision, focusing on practical capability.

Family vs Professional Executors

Should you choose someone you know personally or hire a professional? Here's the honest comparison:

Family/Friend Executors Advantages:

  • No professional fees (saves thousands)
  • Know you and your wishes personally
  • Trusted by family members
  • Emotionally invested in doing right by you
  • For straightforward estates, professional expertise often isn't necessary

Disadvantages:

  • Handling demanding work while grieving
  • Significant time commitment (often underestimated)
  • Personally liable for mistakes
  • May lack expertise for complex estates
  • Can create family dynamics issues
  • May feel obligated when they'd rather decline

Best for:

Straightforward estates under £500,000, no property sales needed, harmonious family relationships, beneficiaries willing to be patient.

Professional Executors (Solicitors, Banks, Specialist Firms) Advantages:

  • Legal and financial expertise
  • No emotional burden on family
  • Lower risk of costly errors
  • Neutral party (helpful if family tensions exist)
  • Professional indemnity insurance protects the estate
  • Efficient handling of complex estates

Disadvantages:

For a £500,000 estate, professional executor fees could range from £5,000 to £25,000. The average cost of probate in the UK is around £2,626, but this varies significantly by estate complexity.

Best for:

Complex estates over £500,000, property sales required, family disputes likely, overseas assets, no suitable family available, business assets involved.

The Hybrid Approach: Many people appoint a family member plus a professional as co-executors:

  • Family executor provides personal knowledge and oversight
  • Professional executor handles legal and financial complexity
  • Shares burden and liability
  • Costs less than professional-only (professional charges for their work, not whole estate management)

Cost Comparison:

Estate Value DIY/Family Executor Professional Executor Hybrid Approach
£150,000 £500-£1,000 £3,000-£7,500 £1,500-£4,000
£350,000 £1,000-£2,000 £7,000-£17,500 £3,500-£9,000
£750,000 £1,500-£3,000 £15,000-£37,500 £7,500-£20,000

Professional executors can only charge fees if your will includes a "charging clause" or all beneficiaries agree. Make sure you understand exactly what you're agreeing to if you name a professional executor.

Common Executor Mistakes to Avoid

Don't set your executor up to fail. Here are the mistakes people make when choosing executors:

Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Obligation, Not Capability Don't choose your eldest child just because they're eldest. Don't choose your spouse if they're not financially literate or organizationally capable. Don't feel obligated to choose family if they're not suitable.

Capability matters more than family hierarchy.

Mistake 2: Not Asking First You're not legally required to ask someone before naming them as executor. But you absolutely should.

Some people don't want the responsibility. Better to know now than have them renounce later, potentially leaving your estate without anyone to administer it.

Mistake 3: Choosing Someone Too Similar to You in Age/Health Your executor should ideally be younger and healthy. If you're 65 and appoint your 63-year-old spouse as sole executor, you risk them being unable to serve when needed.

Always name backup executors to avoid this scenario.

Mistake 4: Naming Only One Executor Single points of failure are risky. If your one executor becomes ill, dies, or is unwilling to serve, your estate could face delays and complications.

Always name substitute executors who can step in if needed.

Mistake 5: Choosing Someone Overseas Without UK Co-Executor International probate is exponentially more complex. Time zones, travel requirements, and legal jurisdiction create significant obstacles.

Always have a UK-based executor or co-executor if you name someone abroad.

Mistake 6: Not Telling Them Where Your Will Is Your executor can't act if they can't find your will. Tell them the location—whether it's with a solicitor, in a safe at home, or stored with an online service like WUHLD.

Provide copies if appropriate, though the original will always be required for probate.

Mistake 7: Setting Up Conflict Think carefully before:

  • Appointing an ex-spouse as executor when your new spouse is a beneficiary
  • Choosing one child when multiple children are beneficiaries
  • Naming feuding siblings as co-executors

David named his three adult children as joint executors to be "fair." Two lived locally and got along well; the third lived in Australia and had been estranged from the family for years.

When David died, the Australian son refused to engage, causing 18-month delays while solicitors navigated his non-cooperation. Legal costs exceeded £12,000.

David could have named just the two local children with the third as substitute executor if the others were unable to act. Fairness doesn't always mean equality.

What to Tell Your Executor

The best gift you can give your executor is information. Here's what they need to know:

Before You Die: Have these conversations while you're healthy:

  • That you've named them and confirm they'll accept the role
  • Where your will is stored (physical location or online service)
  • Who your solicitor is (if you have one)
  • Where they can find important documents

Documents They'll Need: Create a comprehensive information file including:

  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Property deeds and mortgage information
  • Bank account details (institution, account numbers)
  • Insurance policies (life, property, vehicle)
  • Pension information and provider contacts
  • Investment accounts and portfolio details
  • Outstanding debts and creditor information
  • Digital asset passwords and accounts
  • Contact information for your solicitor, accountant, and financial advisor

Important Conversations: Set realistic expectations:

  • Complexity: "The house will need selling, which adds 3-6 months"
  • Family dynamics: "Be aware your siblings may disagree about who gets the furniture"
  • Your wishes: "I trust your judgment on timing—don't rush"
  • Professional help: "Don't hesitate to hire a solicitor if things get complex. The estate pays for it."
  • Time expectations: "This will realistically take 12-18 months"

Funeral Wishes: Share your funeral preferences separately from your will. Wills are often read after the funeral, so your executor needs this information immediately.

Support Resources: Let them know professional help is available and will be paid from the estate. If you've researched probate solicitors you trust, provide their contact information. You might even consider pre-paying for a one-hour executor consultation to give them professional support when they need it.

According to Citizens Advice, executors can claim reasonable expenses from the estate. Make sure your executor knows they won't be out of pocket for postage, travel, or other legitimate costs.

Changing Your Executor

Executor choices aren't permanent. You can change them whenever your circumstances change.

When to change your executor:

  • Death of your original executor
  • Executor's health decline or loss of mental capacity
  • Relationship breakdown (divorce, estrangement)
  • Executor moves abroad
  • Executor tells you they're no longer willing
  • Your estate becomes more complex (may want to add professional executor)
  • Your estate becomes simpler (may not need professional executor)

How to change: You have two options:

  1. Create a new will with updated executor names (this completely replaces your previous will)
  2. Create a codicil (a formal amendment to your existing will) if you're only changing the executor

Both must follow the same legal formalities as your original will—signed by you and witnessed by two independent witnesses who aren't beneficiaries.

Simply telling someone they're no longer your executor doesn't remove them legally. You must update your will document.

Regular review schedule: Review your executor choice every 3-5 years or when major life changes occur:

  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth of children
  • Significant wealth changes
  • Moving to a different country
  • Changes in your executor's circumstances (health, location, relationship)

With WUHLD, updating your executor choice takes just 15 minutes and is free—you don't have to start from scratch. Simply log in, update the executor section, and download your new will.

Make Your Choice with Confidence

Key takeaways:

  • Your executor carries out everything you've planned—it's one of your most important will decisions
  • Choose based on capability, not obligation: trustworthiness, organizational skills, financial literacy, availability, and emotional resilience matter most
  • You have options: family, friends, professionals, or a combination
  • For straightforward estates (under £500,000, no property sales, harmonious family), a capable family member is often ideal
  • For complex estates or potential disputes, a professional executor or hybrid approach is worth the cost
  • Always name backup executors and tell your primary executor where to find your will
  • Review your choice every 3-5 years—it's easy to update

Choosing an executor might feel like a heavy decision, and it is. But it's also an act of consideration.

You're carefully selecting someone you trust to honor your wishes and care for the people you love after you're gone. Whether you choose your spouse, your adult child, a trusted friend, or a professional, making this choice thoughtfully means less burden and confusion when it matters most.

The right executor isn't necessarily the person who loves you most. It's the person who can handle the responsibility with competence, integrity, and care.

Ready to name your executor and protect what matters most?

With WUHLD, you can create your legally valid UK will online in just 15 minutes. Choose your executors, name your beneficiaries, appoint guardians for children, and distribute your estate exactly as you wish—all for a one-time payment of £99.99.

Preview your complete will free before you pay (no credit card required), then download all four documents: your will, witness guide, testator guide, and estate information sheet.

Start your will today and give your executor—and your family—the clarity they deserve.

Ready to Create Your Will?

WUHLD makes it simple to create a legally valid will online in just 15 minutes. Our guided process ensures your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are protected.

Start creating your will now — it's quick, affordable, and backed by legal experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't name an executor in my will? If you don't name an executor in your will, or if all your named executors are unable or unwilling to serve when you die, the court will appoint someone as an administrator under intestacy rules to handle your estate. The court typically appoints your next of kin—usually your spouse, adult children, or closest living relatives in order of priority according to the Administration of Estates Act 1925. The administrator has the same legal responsibilities as an executor but must apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration instead of a Grant of Probate. This process takes longer and costs more than probate with a named executor. More importantly, the court-appointed administrator may not be who you would have chosen, and they'll distribute your estate strictly according to your will without the personal knowledge of your wishes that a chosen executor would bring. Always name at least one executor, plus substitute executors in case your primary choice cannot serve when needed. Can I name my solicitor or bank as executor, and should I? Yes, you can name a solicitor, bank, or professional executor firm, and this can be wise for complex estates or when you lack suitable family or friends. Professional executors bring legal expertise, experience with complex estates, neutrality in family disputes, and professional indemnity insurance protecting the estate from errors. However, professional executors charge significant fees—typically 1-5% of estate value plus VAT, meaning £5,000 to £25,000 for a £500,000 estate compared to under £2,000 for a family executor handling the same estate. Professional fees are only justified when: your estate is complex with business assets, property sales, or overseas holdings; family relationships are strained and a neutral party would prevent disputes; your estate value exceeds £500,000 making professional expertise worth the cost; or you genuinely have no capable family or friends willing to serve. A hybrid approach often works best—appointing a family member who knows you personally alongside a professional who handles legal complexity, sharing both the burden and costs. How long does it take to complete executor duties, and what's the time commitment? The average estate administration takes 9-12 months from death to final distribution, requiring approximately 80-120 hours of executor time spread across that period. For a typical straightforward estate worth £340,000 with a house, two bank accounts, a car, and personal possessions distributed among three beneficiaries, expect: Immediate actions in the first 1-2 weeks including registering the death, locating the will, securing property, and arranging the funeral. Intensive legal and financial work in months 1-6 including valuing all assets, applying for Grant of Probate (which currently takes 2-15 weeks depending on whether you apply online or by paper), calculating and paying inheritance tax (which must be paid within 6 months or HMRC charges interest), closing accounts, and settling all debts. Distribution phase in months 6-12+ including selling property if required (which adds 3-6 months), distributing specific gifts, transferring assets, and preparing final estate accounts. Complex estates with business assets, property sales, overseas assets, or family disputes can take 18-24 months or longer. Executors must be available during weekday business hours when banks, solicitors, and government offices operate, so retired people or those with flexible work arrangements often find the role easier than full-time employees with rigid schedules. What if my executor lives overseas or moves abroad after I name them? An overseas executor can legally serve but faces significant practical complications that can delay probate and increase costs substantially. Overseas executors encounter: authentication requirements where foreign-signed documents need notarization or apostille certification adding £100-£300 and several weeks; travel costs and time for property visits, document signing, face-to-face meetings with solicitors and banks, and potentially attending probate hearings; jurisdiction complexities where UK banks and institutions are often reluctant to deal with overseas executors requiring extra documentation; time zone challenges making communication with UK professionals difficult; and substantially longer probate timelines adding 3-6 months to typical processing. If you want to name someone overseas as executor, always appoint a UK-based co-executor who can handle day-to-day UK matters. The overseas executor maintains legal authority and oversight while the UK executor handles practical tasks. If your executor moves overseas after you've named them but before you die, consider updating your will to add a UK-based co-executor. If they've already moved when you die, they can still serve but should seriously consider instructing a UK-based solicitor to handle most practical matters on their behalf, with costs paid from the estate. Can an executor be a beneficiary, and does this create any problems? Yes, an executor can absolutely be a beneficiary—this is extremely common and completely legal under UK law. In fact, most people name their spouse as executor who is also typically the main beneficiary. There is no legal conflict between being an executor and receiving an inheritance from the same will. The executor role is about administration and legal responsibilities, while being a beneficiary is simply receiving a gift. An executor who is also a beneficiary has exactly the same fiduciary duties as any other executor: they must follow the will's instructions exactly, act impartially toward all beneficiaries including themselves, keep detailed accounts, and not benefit beyond what the will specifies unless all beneficiaries agree in writing. The main potential issue is perception of conflict if other beneficiaries question whether the executor-beneficiary is acting fairly. To avoid this, executor-beneficiaries should: maintain meticulous records of all transactions, communicate regularly with other beneficiaries about progress and decisions, seek professional advice on complex decisions, and consider getting written agreement from other beneficiaries for any unusual decisions. If your estate has potential for family disputes, naming a neutral executor or co-executor alongside a beneficiary executor can provide reassurance to all parties. What happens if an executor makes a mistake or mismanages the estate? Executors can be held personally financially liable for mistakes, even if the errors were unintentional, and this liability can extend for up to 12 years after the death. Under the Administration of Estates Act 1925 and Trustee Act 2000, executors have a fiduciary duty to act with reasonable care and skill. Common mistakes that create personal liability include: distributing the estate before paying HMRC, making the executor personally liable for any unpaid inheritance tax; miscalculating inheritance tax resulting in penalties and interest charged to the executor personally unless HMRC determines it was a reasonable error; losing or mismanaging estate assets through negligence such as failing to insure property or letting investments lapse; distributing to wrong beneficiaries requiring the executor to recover assets or compensate from personal funds; and missing creditors or outstanding debts that should have been paid before distribution. Beneficiaries can sue executors for breach of fiduciary duty if mistakes harm the estate value. However, executors who act carefully are well-protected: keep detailed records of every transaction, decision, and communication; seek professional advice from solicitors or accountants for complex decisions and document that you followed their guidance; obtain HMRC clearance before making final distributions; and consider executor insurance available for £100-£300 covering potential liability claims. Executors who act reasonably, in good faith, with proper records and professional advice when needed face very low risk of personal liability. Can I pay my executor, and how much is reasonable? Lay executors—family members or friends—cannot charge professional fees for their time unless your will explicitly includes a charging clause or all beneficiaries agree in writing after your death. However, lay executors can and should claim reasonable expenses paid from the estate including postage costs for death certificates and correspondence, travel expenses for property visits, valuations, or meetings, phone calls related to estate administration, and document fees such as probate application fees, death certificates, and property searches. Typical expenses for a straightforward estate range from £500 to £2,000. Professional executors—solicitors, banks, or specialist firms—can only charge professional fees if your will includes a charging clause specifically authorizing them to charge. Without a charging clause, even professional executors can only claim expenses unless all beneficiaries agree to pay them. Professional executor fees typically range from 1-5% of estate value plus VAT, meaning £5,000 to £25,000+ for a £500,000 estate. If you want to compensate a family executor for their time and work beyond expenses, you can include a specific legacy in your will such as: "I give £5,000 to my brother John Smith in recognition of his work as executor, in addition to any inheritance he receives under this will." This is a gift, not a fee, and is subject to inheritance tax as part of your estate. Most family executors don't expect payment beyond expenses, viewing executor duties as a final service to someone they loved, but acknowledging significant work with a modest legacy is a thoughtful gesture. What's the difference between an executor and an administrator? An executor is someone you name in your will to administer your estate, while an administrator is someone appointed by the court when you die without a valid will or when your named executors cannot serve. Both roles have identical legal responsibilities and powers—collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate—but they differ in how they gain authority and what they're called. Executors derive their authority from your will itself, confirmed by a Grant of Probate from the court, and they must follow your will's specific instructions about who receives what. Administrators are appointed by the court according to a fixed legal hierarchy under the Administration of Estates Act 1925 (typically starting with your spouse, then adult children, then parents, then siblings), and they must distribute your estate according to intestacy rules, not according to your wishes since there's no valid will. The court document is also different: executors receive a Grant of Probate while administrators receive a Grant of Letters of Administration. The administrator application process typically takes longer and requires more court involvement than probate with a named executor. This is why having a valid will with named executors is so important—you control who administers your estate and how your assets are distributed, rather than leaving both decisions to fixed legal rules that may not reflect your wishes. Can I name more than one executor, and how do joint executors work? Yes, you can name multiple executors, and this is often wise for sharing workload and providing backup. You can name as many executors as you want in your will, but only a maximum of four can apply for probate and act simultaneously—if you name five, any four must decide among themselves who will act. The recommended approach is 2-3 executors for most estates, with an odd number like three preventing deadlock on decisions requiring votes. Joint executors must act unanimously on all major decisions—all executors must agree to sell property, make distributions, or take significant actions. If executors disagree, they must either reach consensus or apply to the court for directions, which delays probate and increases costs. Day-to-day administrative tasks like collecting documents or making inquiries can be handled by any executor alone, but signing legal documents, selling assets, or distributing the estate requires all executors to agree and often to sign together. The advantages of multiple executors include: shared workload (with one executor handling property matters while another manages financial accounts); backup if one executor becomes ill, dies, or is unable to complete the work; balanced perspective with different skills and knowledge; and reduced family tension as multiple family members have oversight preventing accusations of favoritism. The disadvantages include: slower decision-making requiring consensus; potential for deadlock if executors fundamentally disagree; and more coordination needed for signatures and legal documents. Always name substitute executors in your will in case your primary executors cannot or will not serve when the time comes. What should I tell my executor before I die, and how can I make their job easier? The best gift you can give your executor is comprehensive information and clear organization, which can reduce their workload by 30-50 hours and prevent costly mistakes. Before you die, have these essential conversations while you're healthy: confirm they're willing to serve as executor and understand the role's demands; tell them where your will is stored (whether with a solicitor, in a safe at home, or with an online service like WUHLD); provide contact details for your solicitor, accountant, and financial advisors; and explain where they can find important documents. Create a detailed estate information file separate from your will including: complete list of bank accounts with institution names and account numbers; property deeds and mortgage information; insurance policies for life insurance, property, and vehicles; pension details and provider contacts; investment accounts and portfolio information; outstanding debts including mortgages, loans, and credit cards; digital assets and passwords for email, online banking, and important accounts; and contact information for key people such as your employer, business partners, and close friends. Set realistic expectations about complexity and timing: "The house will need selling which adds 3-6 months," "Be aware your siblings may disagree about who gets the furniture," "This will realistically take 12-18 months to complete properly," and "Don't hesitate to hire a solicitor if things get complex—the estate pays for it." Share your funeral preferences separately from your will since wills are often read after the funeral, so your executor needs this information immediately. Update this information annually or whenever significant changes occur such as new bank accounts, house move, or changed insurance policies. Many executors waste weeks tracking down accounts and assets they didn't know existed—comprehensive information prevents this entirely.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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