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How to appoint an executor for your will
Your executor carries out your wishes after you die. Choosing the right person — and understanding what you’re asking them to take on — makes a significant difference to how smoothly your estate is administered.
Key takeaways
An executor applies for probate, collects your assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes the estate
Most people appoint one or two executors — two is recommended in case one cannot act
An executor can also be a beneficiary — this is very common
Always speak to someone before appointing them as your executor
If you have a complex estate or no suitable person, a professional executor can be appointed
What is an executor?
An executor is the person named in your will to carry out your wishes after you die. They are responsible for administering your estate — a process that typically takes six months to a year, sometimes longer for complex estates.
The role requires organisation, patience, and a willingness to deal with banks, government departments, and other institutions on behalf of your estate. It does not require any legal or financial qualifications — though an executor can instruct a solicitor to help if needed.
What does an executor actually do?
The executor’s responsibilities typically include:
Registering the death and obtaining death certificates
Locating the original will and notifying beneficiaries
Valuing the estate — listing all assets and liabilities at the date of death
Applying for a Grant of Probate, giving them legal authority to deal with the estate
Paying any inheritance tax due before probate is granted
Collecting all assets — closing bank accounts, selling investments, dealing with property
Paying all outstanding debts, bills and taxes
Distributing what remains to beneficiaries in accordance with the will
Keeping accounts and providing these to beneficiaries on request
The executor acts as a legal representative of the estate and has a duty to act in the interests of beneficiaries. They can be held personally liable if they make distributions without first paying all debts and taxes.
Who can be an executor?
An executor must be aged 18 or over and have mental capacity. Beyond that, there are very few restrictions. Most executors are family members or close friends with no professional experience of estate administration — this is entirely normal.
Can an executor also be a beneficiary?
Yes — and this is very common. Most people appoint their spouse, adult child, or a sibling as executor, all of whom are likely also named as beneficiaries. There is no conflict of interest in doing this, provided the executor acts honestly and in accordance with the will.
Can a witness to your will be your executor?
Yes. Being a witness to your will does not prevent someone from also being appointed as your executor. The restriction on witnesses is only that they must not be beneficiaries — not that they cannot take on other roles within the estate.
How many executors should you appoint?
You can appoint between one and four executors. Most people appoint one or two. Two is generally recommended as a practical safeguard — if one executor is unable to act when the time comes, the other can proceed without complication.
Appointing more than two can make decision-making more complicated, as all executors must generally agree. For most straightforward estates, two is the right number.
If you can only think of one suitable person, a single executor is entirely valid. You might also consider naming a substitute executor — someone who would step in if your first choice cannot act — as a sensible fallback.
Choosing the right person — what to consider
The most important qualities in an executor are trustworthiness, organisational ability, and availability. Think about:
Do they have the time? Estate administration involves many hours of correspondence over several months. Choose someone with capacity to take this on.
Are they organised?The role requires accurate record-keeping, meeting deadlines, and dealing with multiple institutions at once.
Are they emotionally resilient?Your executor will be handling practical matters at what may be a difficult time personally.
Will they outlive you?If you’re appointing someone of similar age, consider whether they’re likely to be able to act when needed.
Are they local?Helpful, but not essential — most administration can be handled remotely.
Always ask first. Being an executor is a significant commitment. Have a conversation with your chosen person before naming them in your will — make sure they understand what’s involved and are willing to take it on.
Professional executors
If you don’t have a suitable person in your life — or if your estate is particularly complex — you can appoint a professional executor such as a solicitor or estate administration specialist. The advantages are expertise and impartiality. The disadvantage is cost: professional executors typically charge a percentage of the estate value or an hourly rate, paid from the estate before beneficiaries receive anything.
Many people take a middle path: appointing a family member or friend as executor, but noting in their will that the executor is authorised to instruct solicitors if needed and that reasonable professional fees may be paid from the estate.
What if your executor cannot or will not act?
If you have more than one executor, the others can act without the one who has stepped down
An executor can formally renounce their role before they have started to act, through a process called renunciation
If all named executors are unable to act, the court can appoint an administrator to deal with the estate
This is one practical reason why naming at least two executors — or a substitute — is sensible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my executor after making my will?
Yes, at any time while you have mental capacity — either by making a new will or by adding a formal amendment called a codicil. Making a new will is usually the cleaner approach for significant changes.
Does my executor get paid?
Not automatically. Unless your will specifically states that your executor is entitled to payment — or they are a professional executor — they are expected to act without charge. Executors are typically reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the administration process.
Can I appoint a charity as my executor?
Some charities do offer executor services, particularly where they are also named as a beneficiary. Check directly with the charity about their policy and any associated charges before naming them.
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