How to choose an executor

The individuals who organise your property and affairs when you die and carry out the wishes in your will are called executors. Any adult can be chosen (and it could be more than one person) – but it is important to get the right choice. For help with this decision, consider Solicitors Southend, at a site like Drysdales, a leading Solicitors Southend.

Executors are instructed to carry out the instructions in your will when you die.

This is sometimes a tricky task even when will instructions and property matters are straightforward – it is not uncommon for things to last for a few months.

The work of an executor can sometimes be difficult. For example, they may have to:

Choose when to put your property on the market so that beneficiaries can inherit the maximum amount

Ensure the correct amount of Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax is paid

Who can be the executor of a will?

Anyone aged 18 years or older may be the executor of your will. There are no rules against those named in your will as beneficiaries also being named as executor. It is, in fact, very common.

Many people choose their spouse, partner or their children to be executor. But that does not mean they should be written out of the will.

You can choose up to four executors, but as they all need to work together, it may not be practical to choose that many people. It can be wise to choose two, just in case one of them dies before you do. You can choose family members or professionals, such as lawyers or accountants, for example.