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Written by Emily Cross.
15 minute read
When planning for the future, few tasks feel as weighty as writing a will. It’s a personal, sometimes confronting process that requires reflection, care, and often a touch of courage. Choosing an executor, the person responsible for carrying out your final wishes (including funeral wishes), is potentially one of the most important decisions you’ll make in regards to end of life arrangements. This isn’t just about legalities or logistics; it’s about finding someone you trust to act as an executor and safeguard your legacy while bringing a sense of closure and comfort to your loved ones.
Whether you’re selecting a family member, a close friend, or a professional, understanding their role and the factors to consider will ensure your estate is managed with care and respect. This guide will explain how to choose an executor for your will, and cover their responsibilities, considerations, and steps to appoint one.
An executor is essentially a person you trust to tie up all the loose ends after you’re gone. Think of them as your representative, stepping in to make sure everything you’ve carefully planned in your will is carried out exactly as you intended. This could mean distributing your belongings to loved ones, paying off any lingering debts, or even dealing with paperwork like taxes and legal forms.
It’s a big responsibility, and the person, or people, you choose will play a key role in making sure things run smoothly for your family and friends during a time that can already feel overwhelming. In short, they’re the one who helps bring your final wishes to life, giving your loved ones peace of mind.
You can appoint up to four executors to act at the same time, but they must make decisions together, which can make managing the estate less practical with a larger group. That said, it’s often a smart move to name at least two executors. This ensures there’s a backup if one passes away before you or decides they’re unable to take on the responsibility (known as ‘renouncing probate’). If an executor does pass away, any remaining executors can still handle the estate. Additionally, you can include a replacement executor in your will to step in if one of your chosen executors cannot act.
Key duties of an executor include:
Executors are legally obligated to act in the best interest of your estate and beneficiaries, making trustworthiness and responsibility essential traits. It’s important to know that this process can take months, or even longer. Understanding these responsibilities can help you choose someone with the right mindset and skills.
Whether you’re selecting a family member, a close friend, or a professional, understanding their role and the factors to consider will ensure your estate is managed with care and respect. This guide will explain how to choose an executor for your will, and cover their responsibilities, considerations, and steps to appoint one.
The person (or people) you select as your executor(s) can significantly influence how smoothly your estate is handled, and it’s not a decision most take lightly.
Choosing someone reliable and organised can be as important as writing your will. A competent executor will be able to avoid legal and financial missteps, communicate effectively with beneficiaries to maintain a sense of harmony, and execute your wishes as expressed and efficiently.
It isn’t just about finding someone who’s good with paperwork or knows their way around a spreadsheet, though. At the heart of it, you’re picking someone to put your trust in, and someone who truly has your best interests and your loved ones’ well-being at heart.
This person will be handling things that matter deeply to you—distributing your belongings, registering your death, going through your funeral arrangements checklist, settling your affairs, and making sure everything you care about is seen to. Most want someone who understands, and someone who will respect their wishes and act with care and integrity.
Appointing the wrong person who is not prepared to act accordingly when someone dies can result in complications, such as:
Executors are often the ones tasked with organising your funeral, sometimes informally referred to as a funeral executor, especially if you’ve outlined specific instructions or preferences, such as opting for a direct cremation or a non-traditional funeral in your will or prepaid funeral plan. Their role in funeral planning really depends on the instructions left, if any. Their tasks can include:
A prepaid funeral plan can simplify the executor’s responsibility by providing clear guidance and covering the costs upfront, reducing stress for the executor and your loved ones. Since executors also handle estate funds, having a plan means they won’t need to use estate money to cover funeral expenses. This keeps more money available for distribution to beneficiaries. It’s a good practice to compare funeral plans to see which one best fits you and your preferences.
With Aura, the executor will be guided by our dedicated and compassionate team of funeral arrangers, the Aura Angels. They will be there to support them with anything they may need when the time comes to put a prepaid funeral plan into action.
We are fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Whether you choose to pay for your Aura funeral plan in a lump sum or through monthly instalments, your funds are safeguarded in a secure trust. This ensures your money is entirely separate from our company’s finances. Our trust is fully funded and designed to guarantee that every funeral plan purchased with us will be honoured.
Before appointing an executor, you can make sure they meet basic legal and practical requirements. It should be noted that, It’s perfectly fine to serve as an executor, even if you’re also named as a beneficiary in the will.
While not a legal requirement, choosing an executor who resides in the UK can simplify administrative tasks. Executors living abroad may face challenges, such as delays in communication due to time zones or difficulties with cross-border estate laws.
You can also appoint a solicitor, accountant, or professional service provider as your executor. This may be the right option if:
Having someone with specialist knowledge as an executor can be beneficial, but it’s worth noting that if you have an executor, you can hire professionals for assistance when needed, which might be a more cost-effective option, as professionals do charge fees (often covered by the estate). You can also name substitute executors in your will to step in if your first-choice executor dies before they can take on the role.
Another approach is combining a professional executor with a trusted personal choice to ensure effective estate administration. This can balance impartiality with familiarity.
Selecting the right executor requires careful evaluation of their character, skills, and circumstances. You may prefer to choose someone who is trustworthy, dependable, and organised, as they will need to handle sensitive tasks and manage important responsibilities.
In addition to trustworthiness and familiarity, consider these key qualities:
Family dynamics can complicate the decision. Choosing one child over another, or leaving a family member out, can unintentionally cause hurt or tension. Sometimes, appointing joint executors (e.g., siblings) can help ease feelings of perceived bias. Still, it’s important to choose someone based on their capability rather than feelings of obligation or fairness. Reassure your family that your choice is about who is best suited to carry out your wishes, not about favouritism.
The role of an executor can be fulfilled by a variety of people, including family members, friends, or professionals.
Family members or friends
Family members and friends are the most common choice for executors, because the trust is already there. When you choose someone close to you, you know they are familiar with your wishes and values.
Professionals or solicitors
Professional executors can be ideal for managing complex or high-value estates. They provide expertise but charge fees, so if going this route, you may wish to budget accordingly. Depending on your needs, a combination of a professional and a family member as co-executors can sometimes offer the best of both worlds.
Yes, you can name up to four executors to act together, although two is usually sufficient. Having multiple executors can offer balance and help prevent conflict, especially when managing complex estates or family dynamics. However, they must act jointly, which can slow decision-making if they don’t work well together. It’s important to pick people who can collaborate effectively.
Naming an executor in your will
Legally name your executor or executors in your will. Use clear, unambiguous language to avoid any confusion. If circumstances change, you can update your executor by creating a codicil or a new will.
Registering your will
There’s no legal requirement to register your will, but storing it securely with a solicitor or a will registry and informing your executor(s) of its location ensures it can be accessed when needed.
Choosing an executor is a significant decision that affects how your estate is managed and your legacy honoured. By considering their reliability, skills, and availability, you can ensure your final wishes are fulfilled smoothly. We hope this article helped you consider how to choose an executor when the time comes. If you are looking at putting things in place for your end-of-life, and are considering putting plans in place beyond your will, you may also wish to consider a prepaid funeral plan.
Aura provides three prepaid direct cremation plans to suit a variety of preferences, starting at just £1,695. Our simple unattended option offers an affordable solution, while those seeking a more personal touch, our attended plans cater to both intimate gatherings and larger ceremonies, giving families the flexibility to choose what best meets their needs. Every plan covers the essential arrangements at a fair price, with the option to include an attended service if desired.
To find out more about our funeral plans, you can download our free brochure by clicking on the link below.
If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.
Choosing an executor means selecting someone you trust to carry out the wishes in your will after you die. Look for someone responsible, organised, and able to stay calm under pressure. They’ll need to manage paperwork, pay off any debts, distribute your estate, and often organise your funeral. Many people choose a family member or close friend who knows them well, but professionals can also be appointed, especially for complex estates. It’s wise to speak with the person first to make sure they’re willing and able to take on the role.
Yes, a family member can absolutely be an executor and many people choose someone close to them for that reason. As long as they’re over 18 and have mental capacity, a spouse, child, sibling, or other relative can take on the role. In fact, having someone who knows your values and wishes can be reassuring. If your estate is complex, they can also seek professional help to support them when the time comes.
Yes, you can name multiple executors to share responsibilities. This can be particularly helpful for large or complex estates. Clearly defining their roles prevents potential conflicts or confusion.
Executors can refuse the role or step down (known as renouncing probate). That’s why it’s recommended to name a replacement or ‘reserve’ executor in your will. You can also change your executor at any time by updating your will—whether your chosen executor becomes unavailable, or you simply change your mind. Just make sure your new wishes are clearly documented.
Family members or friends typically do not receive payment, but can claim reasonable expenses. Professional executors charge fees, which are usually deducted from the estate.