Choosing an executor for your Will: What to consider

23 October 2026

When you pass away, an executor is the person who carries out the instructions in your Will, ensuring that your wishes are followed down to a T.

That is why choosing an executor is no easy feat. You must decide on somebody who will be there to protect your best interests when you are no longer here.

It is an important responsibility, so asking the right questions can help you determine who is best suited to the role and make things easier for your loved ones in the future.

Do you trust this person?

Trust is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an executor. This person will be responsible for managing your estate, dealing with your finances and ensuring your beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to under your Will.

You should feel confident that they will act in your best interests and follow your wishes. It is also worth considering whether they can remain impartial, particularly if there are complicated family relationships or disagreements between beneficiaries.

Choosing somebody you trust to act honestly and responsibly can provide peace of mind that your estate will be handled with care.

Can they perform the role?

Being an executor involves more than simply distributing your belongings. They may need to apply for probate, gather information about your assets, settle outstanding debts, pay any taxes due and distribute your estate to your beneficiaries.

These responsibilities can take time and require a reasonable amount of organisation.

You should consider whether your chosen executor feels comfortable dealing with paperwork, financial matters and legal processes.

They do not necessarily need previous experience, as professional advice can be sought when needed. However, they should be willing to take on the responsibility and understand the time and effort involved.

Are they likely to be healthy enough to carry out their duties?

It is also worth thinking about your executor’s age and health. Although there is no specific age at which somebody becomes unsuitable for the role, you should consider whether they are likely to be able to carry out their responsibilities when the time comes.

Your Will may not need to be dealt with for many years, so choosing somebody who is significantly older than you could create practical difficulties if they are unable to act when needed.

This does not mean you should automatically rule out an older relative or friend. Instead, consider their individual circumstances and whether appointing a backup executor would be sensible.

Can they be fair?

An executor must act in accordance with your Will and handle your estate responsibly. If you appoint a family member or close friend, consider whether they can separate their personal feelings from their duties.
This can be particularly important where your estate is being divided between several beneficiaries or where family relationships are strained.

An executor should be able to communicate clearly, keep accurate records and treat beneficiaries fairly throughout the process.

Choosing someone who can remain calm and impartial may help prevent unnecessary disputes.

How can Mander Hadley help?

The team at Mander Hadley can help you decide who you would like to be an executor so that you can rest assured that your wishes will be adhered to when you pass away.

We will always strive to ensure that your Will is upheld to the letter. Speaking of which, we can help you to write your Will to ensure that your wishes are properly documented for your executor to follow.

To arrange a conversation about estate planning, get in touch with our team.