How to Choose an Executor

What does an executor do?

An executor is the person you appoint in your will to carry out your wishes after you die. Their responsibilities include:

• Applying for probate — the legal authority to deal with your estate
• Identifying and valuing your assets — property, bank accounts, investments, possessions
• Paying your debts and taxes — including any inheritance tax due
• Distributing your estate — carrying out the gifts in your will
• Keeping records — of all transactions and decisions

Being an executor is a significant responsibility. It can involve months of work, dealing with banks, HMRC, property sales, and sometimes family disagreements. It's not a role to assign lightly.

How many executors should you have?

You can appoint one to four executors. In practice:

• One executor is fine for simple estates, but there's no backup if they can't act
• Two executors is the most common and practical choice
• Three or four can be useful for complex estates, but too many can slow things down (all executors must agree on major decisions)

You should also name a substitute executor in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act when the time comes.

Who makes a good executor?

Qualities to look for

• Trustworthy — they'll be handling your money and assets
• Organised — estate administration involves paperwork, deadlines, and attention to detail
• Level-headed — they may need to manage family dynamics and disagreements
• Willing — being an executor is voluntary; always ask first
• Likely to outlive you — choose someone younger or similar in age

Common choices

• Spouse or partner — they already know your affairs, but may be grieving and find the administrative burden overwhelming
• Adult child — a natural choice, but can cause friction if other siblings feel excluded
• Trusted friend — someone outside the family can be impartial
• Professional executor — a solicitor or specialist firm (fees apply, typically 1–3% of the estate)

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing someone too old

If your executor is significantly older than you, they may not be alive or capable when they're needed.

Not asking first

Always discuss it with your chosen executor before naming them in your will. Being an executor is a big commitment, and some people may not want the responsibility.

Appointing a sole beneficiary as sole executor

While it's legal, having the main beneficiary as the only executor can create a conflict of interest and make other family members uncomfortable. Consider appointing a second executor for balance.

Forgetting to update

If your relationship with your executor changes — perhaps through a falling out, divorce, or simply drifting apart — remember to update your will.

Choosing someone who lives abroad

While there's no legal barrier, having an executor in another country can make the practical aspects of estate administration much harder and slower.

Can an executor also be a beneficiary?

Yes. This is extremely common. Your spouse, children, or other beneficiaries can all serve as executors. Just be aware of potential conflicts and consider having a second executor for transparency.

Can an executor refuse?

Yes. An executor can renounce their appointment at any time before they begin acting on the estate. If all named executors renounce, someone else must apply to the court for authority to administer the estate — which is why naming a substitute executor is so important.

Professional executors

For complex or large estates, or when family dynamics are difficult, appointing a professional executor can be worth the cost. They bring expertise, impartiality, and experience that family members may lack.

However, professional fees should be transparent and agreed in advance. Ask for a detailed fee schedule before appointing a professional.

The most important thing

Choose someone you trust, make sure they're willing, and let them know where to find your will. The rest can be figured out when the time comes — but having the right person in place makes everything easier.