Executors

Executors are the individuals you appoint in your will to carry out your wishes. It is a significant responsibility, yet it is often not fully considered when a will is written.

People tend to choose an executor in a moment — an eldest child, a brother, a close friend — without asking whether that person is willing, whether they are likely to outlive you, whether they live near enough to be practical, or whether appointing all three of your children jointly will mean every decision needs three signatures.

At BeAdvised Legacy Planning we ensure that both you and your chosen executors understand what the role involves. With your permission, we can speak directly with them to explain their responsibilities and provide reassurance.

The job itself is a real one. An executor has to locate the will and the assets, value the estate, deal with HMRC, apply for the grant, close accounts, settle debts, keep records, keep beneficiaries informed and distribute what is left — usually while grieving, and often while being asked when the money is coming. Executors can also be personally liable if they distribute an estate and an unknown creditor later appears.

Our aim is to make the role as clear and manageable as possible — so you can be confident that your wishes will be carried out effectively, without placing an unnecessary burden on those you trust.

We also offer an Executor Pack, available alongside our will service, which provides clear guidance and practical support to assist your executors when the time comes. It sets out what we hold and where, who to contact, the steps to take in what order, and the things that most often catch executors out.

If you have been named as an executor and are not sure what to do next, you are welcome to ring us and ask. There is no charge for a conversation.