Monday 20th October 2025 Choosing the Right Executor for Your Will Your executor is the person (or people) who will sort out your estate when you die and make sure your Will is followed. It’s an important role — so it’s worth choosing carefully. Here are the key things to consider. This is the big one. Your executor will: So choose someone sensible, fair, and reliable. Even simple estates can take months. A good executor is: They don’t have to do it all themselves — executors can always hire professionals and pay for them from the estate — but picking someone who isn’t scared of admin helps. You can name up to four executors, but they have to act together — so too many can get messy. A good setup for most people: That way, if one dies before you or renounces the role, there’s someone else in place. Yes — this is very common. Your spouse, partner, or adult child can both inherit and act as executor. Just remember: they can’t be a witness to your Will if they’re also a beneficiary. At least one executor must be 18 or over to apply for probate. You can name someone younger, but they can’t act until they’re 18 — so it’s sensible to name an adult alongside them. If you’re leaving something to a child or someone who isn’t able to manage money, you should name two executors. You can — and lots of people do. But remember: they’ll also be grieving. A good option is to name: That shares the load. You can appoint a solicitor, accountant, bank, or probate specialist as your executor. The good thing is: they know what they’re doing. The downside: cost. Typical costs can run into the thousands, especially for full probate and estate administration. Often the best approach is: That’s usually more cost-effective. (If you do want a professional executor, make sure you understand how they charge and whether they’ll agree to step aside if your family wants to deal with it themselves.) Yes — it’s smart to name replacement or reserve executors in your Will (Premier Wills Online lets you do this easily). That way, if your first choice has died, is ill, or just doesn’t want the job, someone else can step in without changing the whole Will. If there’s truly no one suitable, it’s still better to make a Will. A professional or, in some cases, the Public Trustee can act — but they will charge from the estate. Whoever you choose, make sure your Will includes: And ideally: ask them first so it’s not a surprise. If you’re ready to put this into place: Add more than one executor and a reserve Get IHT advice if your executor is likely to deal with tax on your estate That way, the people you trust - not the court - are in charge. 1. Do you trust them?
2. Can they cope with the admin?
3. One executor or two?
4. Can a beneficiary be an executor?
5. Age and availability
6. Should you name your spouse/partner?
7. Using a professional executor
8. Do you need substitutes?
9. What if you don’t have anyone?
10. Get their details right
So they can be identified and contacted easily.
