Executors

You can appoint as many or as few executors (and trustees) in your Will as you like, although you need to appoint at least 1.  A maximum of 4 executors may take out a grant of probate in respect of the same property, so you should list them in order of priority in the event that there are more than 4.

The reasons you may wish to nominate multiple executors are to prevent one person having absolute control of their estate and to avoid problems that can arise where an executor dies before you do or becomes incapable of acting.  We normally recommend 2, with one being a solicitor or accountant, or 3 to prevent different opinions constantly causing deadlock.  Executors can only take appointment where they are aged 18 or over.

Professional executors are entitled to be paid for the work they do.  What you will find is that non-professional executors are often daunted by what the task involves and need professional help to do the job.  Executiors do not have to accept their appointment and can renounce their executorship, so you should always discuss it with them first.  However, they are much more likely to agree if they know they will have the help of a professional to sort things out.

Plan to die with dignity...  Call us on 01296 662770