Executors: Roles, Duties, and How to Choose

What an executor does

An executor is the person you appoint to carry out your will. In practice, they coordinate the legal and administrative work needed to settle your estate.

Typical duties include:

• Locating the signed original will
• Registering death details and gathering records
• Valuing the estate and identifying assets
• Paying debts, expenses, and any tax due
• Applying for probate where required
• Distributing the estate in line with the will

Who can be an executor

Most people appoint trusted adults such as:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Adult children
• Close friends
• Professional executors (where appropriate)

You can appoint more than one executor. Naming a reserve executor is often sensible in case your first choice cannot act.

What makes a good executor choice

Pick someone who is:

• Organised and reliable
• Comfortable with paperwork and deadlines
• Able to act impartially between beneficiaries
• Willing to accept the role

Have the conversation in advance. Surprises at the point of death can cause delay and stress.

Can an executor also be a beneficiary?

Yes, this is common. A spouse or adult child may both inherit and act as executor. The key is whether they can still perform duties properly and transparently.

When professional support may help

Some estates are more complex, for example where there are business interests, foreign assets, or family disputes. In those cases, executors often use professional support for parts of the process.

How to reduce problems for executors

• Keep your will current and clear
• Avoid ambiguous gifts or outdated names
• Leave clear records for accounts, policies, and key contacts
• Tell executors where to find the signed original will

Next steps

If you are starting your will, choose executors early so the rest of your instructions can be drafted clearly.

• Start now: /intake
• Detailed guide: How to Choose an Executor
• After signing: What to Do After Receiving Your Will