Choosing Your Executors: Who Will Carry Out Your Wishes?

When you make a Will, one of the most important decisions is choosing your executors – the people who will handle your estate after you die. Executors have legal responsibilities and will need to deal with financial, legal, and sometimes emotional matters at a difficult time.

When you make a Will, one of the most important decisions is choosing your executors – the people who will handle your estate after you die. Executors have legal responsibilities and will need to deal with financial, legal, and sometimes emotional matters at a difficult time.

What does an executor do?

- Collect your assets (money, property, possessions)

- Pay any debts, taxes, or bills

- Distribute what’s left to your beneficiaries according to your Will

They may also need to deal with property sales, claims on the estate, and paperwork for HMRC.  Naturally, you may want to authorise them to use a legal professional to help with this.

How many executors can you have?

You can name up to four executors, but you only need one. Most people choose two – this gives a safety net in case one can’t act, and means there’s someone to share the workload. You can also name replacement executors.

Who should you choose?

- Family or friends – if they’re organised, trustworthy, and good with paperwork.

- A professional – such as a solicitor – especially for complex estates.

- A mix – for example, a family member alongside a professional.

Things to think about:

- Trustworthiness

- Skills

- Location

- Relationships

Can executors be beneficiaries?

Yes – most executors are also beneficiaries. But an executor who is also a witness to your Will cannot inherit.

Talking to your executors

Always check with them before naming them. Explain why you’ve chosen them and what the role involves.

What happens if you don’t appoint executors?

If you don’t, the court will appoint someone – usually your next of kin.

Key questions:

- Do I trust them to carry out my wishes?

- Will they cope with the responsibility?

- Should I choose a professional as well?

Your Wills Team can help you choose the right executors for your situation. Contact us today to start your Will and put the right people in charge of your wishes info@yourlegalteam.org.uk.