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How to Choose an Executor

Written by .

12 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 safeguard your legacy and bring 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.

Old friends posing for camera
Many people choose long-time close friends as their executor(s) because they have built trust over the years.

What is an executor?

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:

  • Distributing assets: Following the terms of your will to allocate your possessions and property to the intended beneficiaries. An executor may also have to locate and reclaim lost or dormant assets.
  • Paying debts and taxes: Settling outstanding obligations, including inheritance tax and other estate-related costs.
  • Managing legal tasks: Applying for probate (the legal process of validating your will) and filing necessary documentation.

Executors are legally obligated to act in the best interest of your estate and beneficiaries, making trustworthiness and responsibility essential traits.

 

Why is choosing the right executor important?

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. 

Making sure your will is carried out properly

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, 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. 

Avoiding common issues

Appointing the wrong person who is not prepared to act accordingly when someone dies can result in complications, such as:

  • Delays in settling the estate: A disorganised or overwhelmed executor might miss important deadlines, prolonging the process for everyone involved.
  • Legal or financial errors: Inexperience or lack of attention to detail can lead to costly mistakes, like mismanaging funds or failing to file necessary paperwork.
  • Family conflicts: Tensions can arise if the executor struggles to maintain neutrality or has a poor relationship with the beneficiaries.
  • Breach of trust: An executor acting in their own interest, rather than prioritising your wishes, could cause disputes or even legal challenges.
  • Inability to handle the workload: If the executor doesn’t have enough time, energy, or capacity to manage the role, it can lead to significant complications for your loved ones.

An executor’s role in your funeral

Executors are often the ones tasked with organising your funeral, 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:

  • Carrying out funeral wishes: If the will includes specific instructions about the type of funeral desired (e.g., burial, cremation, religious or non-religious service), the executor ensures these wishes are respected, as long as they’re practical and affordable if there was no prepaid funeral plain in place.
    Coordinating with funeral providers: The executor may work with funeral directors or service providers to arrange the logistics, such as the date, location, and other details.
  • Paying for the funeral: If there’s no prepaid plan, the executor may use estate funds to cover the costs of the funeral. They may need to figure out how to pay for funeral expenses by alternative means, managing short-term finances if estate funds are tied up during probate.
  • Communication with family: Executors often act as a point of contact for family members, keeping everyone informed about the arrangements.
  • Accessing prepaid funeral plans: Executors need to know about the existence of a prepaid funeral plan to use it effectively, so if you have one, make sure your executor is aware of your plan and has the details, which will help them arrange your funeral according to your preferences without delay. The executor will need to contact the provider to activate the plan and make sure everything is handled as per the agreement. 

Pre-paid plans with Aura

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. 

 

Eligibility criteria for an executor

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.

Legal requirements

  • Executors must be at least 18 years old in the UK.
  • They must have full mental capacity as defined in the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)

Residency considerations

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.

Professional executors

If your estate is complex, or if you simply don’t have suitable options, appointing professionals such as solicitors or accountants can be a good way to go, and might help you to feel secure in knowing your wishes will be carried out with accuracy and compliance with legal standards.

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. This can balance impartiality with familiarity.

 

Factors to consider when choosing an executor

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..

Trustworthiness and responsibility

You may wish for the executor to be honest, dependable, and capable of managing sensitive tasks. You may also consider those who you’ve noticed have shown strong organisational skills in the past.

Familiarity with your estate

Familiarity with your estate can be ideal for an executor because it allows them to manage your affairs with a deeper understanding of your financial and personal circumstances. Someone who knows your assets, relationships, and wishes may streamline the process, reducing the chances of errors or misunderstandings.

For example, an executor who understands your family dynamics may be better equipped to handle sensitive situations and communicate effectively with beneficiaries. Similarly, someone who knows the specifics of your property, investments, or business interests can make more informed decisions, ensuring that everything is handled according to your intentions. This familiarity can make the process easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

Legal and financial skills

An executor comfortable with handling financial documents or legal matters may manage the role more efficiently and confidently. If no suitable candidate exists within your personal circle, hiring a professional can provide the necessary expertise.

Availability and willingness

Time and willingness are essential. The executor may be required to dedicate their personal time to managing the estate, which can be a lengthy process. They may need to be able to prioritise getting things sorted out for you. It may be wise to discuss the responsibilities with potential executors beforehand and appoint a backup if your first choice cannot act when the time comes.

 

Who can be an executor?

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.

Steps to appoint an executor in your will

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

Most store their will with a solicitor or a will registry to make it easily accessible. Inform your executor(s) about their appointment and the location of your will, and keep things current and up to date.

 

FAQs about choosing an executor

Can I appoint more than one executor?

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.

What happens if my executor can’t serve?

Appointing a backup executor ensures your estate is managed if your primary choice cannot act. This backup should be clearly listed in your will.

Do executors get paid?

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.

 

Aura is here to help

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.

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